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LANCASTEE COUNTY
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: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OK MANY OF ITS
Pioneers and Prominent Men.
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SAMUEL EVAN?. ^- ...'•-' ' :^ ]
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BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
1760640
517
Old Taverns. — When John Wright procured a
charter for his ferry, he erected a tavern, which stood
on the north side of Locust Street, opposite the depot
of the Reading and Columbia Railroad, in the year
1730. It was built of logs, two stories high, with a
large room at either end, with a passage-way between.
John Wright, Jr., was the first person who kept this
tavern. He remained thereuntil he married, in 1734,
when he removed to the western side of the ferry,
where he built a hotel.
Col. John Lowden, of Revolutionary fame, kept
the Ferry House prior to the war. He was the son
of Richard Lowden, who married John Wright's
daughter. He removed to Buffalo Valley, upon the
West Branch of the Susquehanna, from which place
he raised a company of volunteers and marched to
Boston in 1776.
Joseph Jetfries came from Quaker stock in Chester
County. He removed from there, about the year
1774, to Hellam township, York Co., where he kept
the Ferry House. He was wagon-master for York
County during the Revolutionary war, and at its
close, in 1783, he removed to the east side of the
ferry and took charge of the Ferry House. He re-
mained there until the year 1794-95, when the heirs
of James Wright erected a new brick hotel near the
northern line of their property, the site of which is
now occupied by the round-house of the Pennsylvania |
Railroad Company, when he took charge of the new [
hotel. He removed to Lancaster, where he also kept
hotel.
Frederick Stump first settled at Vinegar's Ferry
above Marietta, after he came to this country from
Germany. On account of malarial fever, wliich was
then prevailing among the settlers along the river, he
removed to Maytown, where he commenced to keep
tavern about the close of the Revolutionary war.
From theuce he removed to Columbia in 1796, and
rented the Ferry House and ferry. On the 14th day of
February, 1798, he purchased twoacresand LotsNos.l,
2, and 3, which adjoined the first-named tract on the
south, and all the boats belonging to the ferry, from
Samuel Wright for the sum of two thousand eight
hundred pounds. The hotel, which was new, stood
on Lot No. 1. The two acres mentioned Mr. Stump
sold to Samuel Miller, who laid the same out into lots.
The ferry was the most profitable one on the tiver.
He purchased the extensive brewery on West King
Street west of the Stevens House in Lancaster City,
which he afterwards sold to C. Barnitz, of York, Pa.
He also purchased a large number of lots in Columbia.
He died in Columbia in 1804. His widow and Sam-
uel Evans, administrators of his estate, sold the hotel
and other' property to Samuel Miller, who rented the
hold and ferry to Joshua Ring. He also ran a line
of stages from Lancaster to York.
Mr. Miller sold the hotel aiid ferry-boats to Thomas
Brooks Feb. 14, 181.4. The latter died before he ob-
tained possession of the property. His administra-
tors, William and Amos Green, offered the property
at public sale on the 24th day of December, 1814.
While the vendue was in progress, John Reynolds
(father of Gen. Reynolds, who was killed at Gettys-
burg in' 1863) and Jasper Slaymaker, a young lawyer
of Lancaster, while on their way to Marietta, and
when passing called out to the crier, "Six thousand
seven hundred dollars !" They thought nothing more
of the matter, but received notice that they were the
highest bidders. And thus they became the owners
of the " Ferry House." They held this property for
twenty years. The erection of the bridge over the
river destroyed its profits. They sold the property
to John Guy, the famous hotel-keeper of Baltimore.
He was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He
removed to this county in 1815 and leased the Wash-
ington Hotel at Big Cliikis, where the Lancaster
and Mount Joy turnpike crosses the same. He also
established a line of stages, which ran between Lan-
caster and Harrisburg. From thence he removed to
Marietta and kept hotel in the large brick building
adjoining Abraham N. Cassell. He purchased a farm
a mile farther east, along the Lancaster and Marietta
turnpike, from whence he removed to Columbia.
His daughter, Ann, married the late Maj. Frederick
Haines, of Donegal. The hotel was afterwards pur-
chased by Joseph Black, and was thenceforth called
Black's Hotel. After his decease it was purchased by
his son, Joseph H. Black, who, by his integrity and
good management, built up a very profitable busi-
ness. He sold the property to the Pennsylvania Rail-
road Company. Their " round-house" occupies the
spot where this famous hostelry stood.
The " Sorrel-Horse Hotel" was built by Joseph Jef-
fries, who had been keeping the hotel upon the west-
ern side of the river. It stood at the corner of Walnut
and Front Streets, the site of which is now occupied
by the passenger depot of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company. It remained in possession of the Jeft'ries
until 1835, when Frank Boggs, who married Maria
JeUries, purchased the property and enlarged it at
the northern side. After the death of Mr. Boggs
the property was leased by Chip. Parsons, Mrs. Ann
Haines, and that prince of landlords, John Burr.
On the opposite corner, adjoining the store of
Houston, Barber & Gossler, the Washington Hotel
was built by Jacob Gossler, who removed the old
frame building, and erected a three-story brick addi-
tion fifty-one years ago. He was followed by Daniel
Herr and Joseph H. Black, and it is now owned by the
latter. The reputation of the house has always been
"No. 1."
For a period of forty years after the town was laid
out, the principal street through which wagons passed
to the ferry was Walnut Street. Hence there were
several hotels along that thoroughfare which did a
large business. There has been no hotel on that
street for many years. The large brick building now
owned by Cul. McClure was owned by Charles Odell.
548
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Joshua Ring also kept the tavern. Occasionally a
wandering theatrical troupe gave performances at
this hotel.
Reuben MuUison kept the hotel on the east side of
Commerce Street. He was also largely interested,
with the late Thomas Collins and others, in several
stage lines and was a railroad contractor. When he
first came to Columbia he ran the river in the spring
of the year as a pilot. He was a very active citizen.
His daughter married Thomas A. Scott, the great
railroad magnate.
Charles Odell came from the State of New York
and settled in Marietta, where he remained one or
two years. He married Miss Lockard, of Hempfield,
and removed to Columbia, and took charge of the
hotel west of Mullison's.
The " Black Horse Tavern," at the corner of Fourth
and Walnut Streets, was kept by one Getz originally.
He was follo^ved by Henry Knight.
Jacob Corapfort kept the brick hotel on Locust
Street, on the east side of the Reading and Columbia
Railroad depot.
James Sweeny kept tavern in a frame house which
stood back from Locust Street fifteen or twenty yards,
upon ground which is now occupied by the '" Franklin
House."
"The Lamb Tavern" was torn down a few years
ago to make room for the Columbia National Bank,
on Locust Street, between Second and Third Streets.
It was a noted tavern in its time. There was a large
yard attached to this property into which wagons
could be driven, which made it a desirable place for
teamsters to stop over night. The Kendricks, Bink-
ley, and Michael Streiu (and his son, Jacob, many
years after him) kept this tavern.
Ezekiel Cook came from Little Britain township
about the year 1812, and first kept tavern in the frame
house, of which the Franklin Hotel is the successor, on
Locust Street, near Bank Alley. He removed to Ma-
rietta, where he kept tavern a few years, when he re-
turned to Columbia again, where he died fifty or more
years ago. He was a candidate for sheriff in 1827,
but was defeated.
The " Washington Hotel" was built by Jacob Goss-
ler. He was the son of Philip Gossler, who removed
from York to Columbia about the year 1798 and estab-
lished a coal- and lumber-yard. His son,' Jacob,
married Miss Stump, daughter of Frederick Stump,
wlio owned the ferry and Ferry-House. He dealt
largely in real estate. Tliere were I'ewer changes in
the ownership or management of this hotel than in
any of the others.
Tiie " Pine Creek Hotel" was kept by Mr. Withers
fifty-five years ago, who was succeeded by the late
Cornelius Tyson. It is located on Front Street below
Union.
Brown's tavern was kept by Jeremiah Brown, who
came from Little Britain, seventy years ago.
The "Swan Hotel" was built by Samuel Eberleiu
eighty years ago. It stood on the north side of Locust
Street, near the Columbia National Bank.
Moses Montgomery built a frame tavern on the
north side of Locust Street above Third Street eighty
years' ago. He had been in the Irish Rebellion, and
came to 4nierica about the year 1799, and settled in
Columbia. He raised a company of volunteers in
1812, and was preparing to go into the field when
he got into a scuffle with Paul Wolf, who shot
through a window at a candle in liis house out of pure
mischief. He was thrown upon a pile of rails in front
of the tavern, and had his collar-bone broken.
In the early history of the place " cherry fairs"
and "harvest homes" were quite common. They
frequently lasted several days. These were profitable
seasons for the landlords.
Old Grist-Mills. — The little corn or grist-mill
which stood on the north side of Shawanese Run,
a few hundred yards above its mouth, was built of
.stone, two stories high, and about twenty-five feet
square, in the year 1735. It was erected upon land of
John Wright, and built by his son, James, and Samuel
Blunston, the old pioneer settler. The stream was
not large, but there was ample fall to turn an "over-
shot" wheel of more than twenty feet in diameter,
which gave all the power required to drive the
machinery long enough to grind the grists of the
pioneer settlers.
Samuel Blunston made his will in 1745, and de-
vised to James Wright one-half of the "corn- and
grist-mill." This little mill ran day and night in
the spring of 1755, grinding flour for Braddock's
army, and in 1758 for Gen. Forbes' army. The flour
was packed in kegs and carried on pack-horses over
the mountains to Fort Bedford. And upon several
other occasions the colonial authorities called upon
James Wright to supply flour for the use of the asso-
ciated companies of rangers along the frontiers, and
to supply the vagrant Indians at Turkey Hill.
This mill and land belonging to it descended to Sam-
uel Wright, the oldest son of James, and the founder
of Columbia, who conveyed it to his brother, John,
who laid out that part of Columbia called "John
Wright's addition" in the year 1788. On April 1,
1807, James Wright, Jr., son of John, sold the mill,
shad-fishery, and filteen acres of land to John Halde-
man, who sold the same, April 14, 1812, to Rudy Herr,
of Manor township, for six thousand seven hundred
and fifty pounds. Jacob Strickler and his brother-in-
law, George Weaver, purchased this mill about the
year 1818 from Rudy Herr. They tore down the old
stone mill and built one of brick at the corner of
Mill and Front Streets. It afterwards came into pos-
session of William Atkins, Jonathan Pusey, George
Bogle, and is now owned by McBride and Maulfnir,
who have introduced new machinery, and manufac-
ture " new process" flour. The mill is almost wholly
run by steam power.
The Fairview Grist-Mill is located on the north
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
549
bank of Barber's Run near its mouth, at the south- j
em boundary line of tlie borough. This mill was i
'built by James Barber, son of Robert Barber, the I
pioneer settler, about 1780. On the 7th day of May, |
1791, William Barber, Esq., of York, and oldest son
of James, sold the mill and fifty-seven acres of land
to Judge William A. Atlee, of Lancaster, who resided '
in the mansion which stood where E. K. Smith, Esq., '
resides. This property was sold by order of the Or- j
phans' Court. On the 28th day of August, 1795, Al-
exander Scott, Esq., and Mary, his wife, sold the one-
half to Alexander Anderson, who was sold out by
■Sheriff Michael Rine May 15, 1801, and purchased
i by James and William Miller. On the 11th day of
j August, 1801, James Miller, merchant, of Philadel-
Iphia, and William Miller, of Washington County,
I Pa., and Alexander Anderson, of Lancaster, con-
', veyed the property to John Haldeman, of Donegal, i
land Jacob Strickler, of Hempfield. Mr. Haldeman [
'sold his interest to Mr. Strickler, from whom it went
'to his son, Jacob, and the latter's son-in-law, Ephraim
Hershey, who sold to Samuel Truscott, Michael Shu- 1
man, and J. W. Stacy, who now own it. 1
The first saw-mill erected at Columbia or neighbor-
hood was built by Robert Barber, the pioneer settler
in 1727, in the meadow boluw his dwelling, which
stood near Kauffman's stone-quarries. There is noth-
ing now left of it.
Shad Fisheries.— There were but three shad fish-
eries along the shore prior to the erection of the dam
across the river. The first one established was at or
.near the ferry, in front of the public ground, and
ibelonged to James Wright and his lieirs. After his
death, when the property came to be divided, in 1788,
his son, John Wriglit, established a fishery near tlie
mouth of Shawanese Run, which was sold with the
Shawanese mill properly.
Robert Barber also liad a fishery opposite his land
below John Wright's. The entire shore in front of
the town was well adapted for fishing with a drag
seine. The shore sloped gradually, and there was a
gravel bottom.
j Mifilin's Island, across which the old bridge ran,
j had a profitable fishery on the west side. It was
I owned by James Mifilin, Esq.
I The erection of a dam across the river in 1838, to
j form a pool to float boats to the mouth of the Susque-
; hanna and Tide-Water Canal etfectually destroyed all
of the fisheries above that point.
Post-Office andPostmasters. ^Joseph Smith came
to Columbia about 179.3, and opened a store, in con-
nection with James Wright, in the lower room of the
old Ferry House, which stood on the north side of
Locust Street, near Front. \ post-oflice was estab-
lished at Columbia in 1797, and Mr. Smith was ap-
pointed the first postmaster. The receipts of the
I office for the year 1799 were $10.44. He was the
eighth child of Col. RoTjert Smith, of Chester County, |
and was born Sept. 24, 1770. He removed to Phila- I
delphia in 1802, where he embarked in the iron and
shipping business. He died on his farm at " Steam-
boat Hotel," in Chester County, Dec. 18, 1845. He
left several children surviving him, to wit : Persifer
Frazer Smith, Esq., late reporter of the Supreme
Court of Pennsylvania, and a distinguished mem-
ber of the Chester County bar; Elizabeth; Rhoda;
Vaughan, a daughter, married Rev. Riley, of Mon-
trose; Joseph Smith married Mary, daughter of Col.
Persifer Frazer and Mary Worrall Taylor, who was
the granddaughter of Isaac Taylor, the surveyor of
Chester County. Mr. Smith and Frazer were the
progenitors of a number of distinguished military and
civil officers.
William P. Beatty was appointed postmaster by
President John Adams in 1802. He was the sou of
Rev. Charles Beatty (of Log College memory) and
Ann Reading, daughter of Governor Reading, of New
Jersey. He was born in Neshaminy, in Bucks County,
March 31, 1706, and died in Philadelphia, July 28,
1848. When Jefferson was elected President another
postmaster was appointed. In 1825 he was appointed
postmaster under President John Quiney Adams,
which ofl5ce he held for twelve years.
John Mathiot was appointed postmaster in 1807,
and retained the position until he was elected sheriff
of the county in 1818. His father, John, was a Hu-
guenot, and came from France to Lancaster about
the beginning of the Revolution. He removed to
Columbia in 1798, and opened a dry-goods and
grocery-store in connection with Michael Gundecker,
of Lancaster, in the brick building he erected on
Walnut Street, adjoining Bank Alley. While hunt-
ing upon Mifttin Island, above the bridge, he was ac-
cidentally shot by a friend and killed about the year
1804. His son John, as stated, was elected sheriff in
1818, although a Democrat, whose party was then in
a minority in the county. The Wrights, who were
Federalists, all united in his support. He was elected
mayor of Lancaster in 1831, and re-elected eleven
times. He died Jan. 22, 1843, aged fifty-eight years.
In the year 1807 the quarterly receipts of the office
were fifteen dollars, and for the year 1815 they were
from one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred
and fifty dollars. Although he was not subject to
military duty, he procured a horse and marched with
Capt. Jacob Strickler's company to Kennet Square,
in 1812, expecting to be mustered into the service of
the United States. Owing to some informality they
were not mustered, and the company returned to Co-
lumbia.
Philip Eberman, a brother-in-law of John Mathiot,
was appointed postmaster in the fall of 1818, and re-
tained the'position until he was succeeded by William
P. Beatty, in 182.'j.
In 1837, Dr. F. A. Thomas was appointed post-
master under the administration of Martin Van
Buren.
Guilford G. Claiborne was appointed postmaster
550
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
under Gen. Harrison's administration iu tlie spring
of 1841. But for an accident he probably would not
have received the appointment.
After it was known in Columbia that Gen. William
H. Harrison was elected President, in November,
1840, the Anti-Masons and Whigs of that place con-
cluded that they would celebrate the event by firing
a salute with a cannon in honor of the event, in the
orchard of John L. Wright, between Second and
Third Streets and Alleys " J" and " K." During the
night before this was to take place some person
spiked the cannon with a rat-tail file. When the
time came to fire the salute there was great disap-
pointment among the friends of Gen. Harrison. Col.
Amos S. Green, Mr. Claiborne, and others, after
■working for more than an hour, succeeded in getting
out the file, and proceeded to announce the fact by
firing the cannon in rapid succession. After firing it
three times, and Mr. Claiborne and William Dickey
were forcing a wadding of sod down upon the powder,
a boy attempted to jump or run across in front of the
cannon, when he fell. Abraham Myers, who had his
thumb upon the touch-hole, raised it, when the charge
went off prematurely when Claiborne and Dickey had
hold of the ramrod. The former had his arm shat-
tered, which had to be amputated above the elbow.
Dickey was knocked insensible, but recovered. There
was a great deal of sympathy for Mr. Claiborne. He
was appointed postmaster, a position he retained for
twelve years. He was succeeded by A. P. Modernell
in 1853, who died while in commission, and his widow
succeeded him, and held the position until 1861, when
Henry H. Fry was appointed under President Lin-
coln's administration. He also died while in com-
mission, and his widow was appointed to succeed him,
and retained the position for twelve years, when Henry
Mullen was appointed, and is now the postmaster.
He enlisted in the " Cookman Rangers" in April,
1861, and marched to Camp Curtin, mustered into the
United States service in Co. K, Fifth Regiment Penn-
sylvania Reserves, on the 21st of June, 1861 ; was
appointed quartermaster-sergeant of that regiment in
November, 1861 ; served three years, and was in all of
the battles with the Army of the Potomac. After the
expiration of his term of service, on the 6th of June,
1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran, and was appointed
first lieutenant of Co. A, One Hundred and Ninety-
first Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was
taken prisoner at Weldon Railroad, below Petersburg,
Va., on the 19th day of August, 1864, and was im-
prisoned at Libby, Va., Salisbury, N. C, and Dan-
ville, Va., where he remained till March 22, 1865.
He was' mustered out with the company June 28,
1645. The business of the office fur the year ending
in July, 1883, amounted to iJ7822.88.
Taxable Inhabitants in 1814-15,-The size of
the town during the war of 1812 is uppro.xiiiiately
shown by the following list of ta.xable inhabitants,
most of whom were heads of families :
JVe<AoMer>-.
Rolert Barber.
Mary Jeffries.
Hester Broonilield.
Martha Jones.
^Villjani P. Be;itty.
Elizabeth Jones.
Emor Jeffries' estate.
Ezra Breece.
William Kirkwood.
Thonws B»rllett.
Isaac Kendrlck.
Olirist. Beur.
John Karne.
Joli.i Brown.
Peter Livergood.
John Barber.
Israel Lloyd.
JoliuBrumfield.
William Liston.
Peter Burns, Sr.
Charles Lockard.
Christian Bronneman.
John Lfvergood.
Christiarj Brenufuuiu, Sr.
John I.Jckard.
Joseph Boyd, gnuamith.
James Little.
Thomas Bircli.
William Ladley. ,
Thomas Doude.
Lewis Lowman'a estate.
Samuel Belhel.
Jacob Lightheiser.
Bernard Brown.
Jacob Long.
Henry Brnbaker.
Thomas Lloyd.
James Bogle,
Samuel Miller.
Jesse Burroll.
Samuel McNeil.
Kobert Boyd.
Henry Martin.
William Cox.
Moses Montgomery.
James Clyde.
Anthony McElwaln.
C.lvin Cooper.
John Mellon.
Widow CrossDisn.
Jonathan Mifflin.
PatiickCiirn,-y.
Joseph Miffl.n.
Janjes Collins.
James E. Mifflin.
Al.-ah.mi Correll.
William McManamy.
John Dicks.
John Mathiot.
Martin DurreU.
John Mathiofs estate.
Christian Diltwiler.
Robert Magill.
Joseph Ditlwiler.
Daniel Mnsser.
Thomas Dominick.
Hugh McCorkle.
John Davy.
John MclCissick..
John Evans.
James McClean.
John Eberlein.
George Nicholas.
Joseph Evai.s, Esq.
Robert I'atton.
Charles Evans.
Cuapor Peters.
Michael Elder.
George Peters.
Widow Elwea.
Martin Kohrer's estate.
Anthony Ellmaker.
Joel Ricl.aidson.
Daniel Floiy.
John Roth's estate.
Jaeob Forry.
Widow Rhinehart.
Kobert Fnllerton.
Joseph Klchardson.
Samuel Fipps.
John Snyder.
John Foriy, Jr.
Henry Snmmy.
Jonathan Findley.
James Sweeny.
Jacob Gossler.
David Sherrick.
Philip Gossler.
PL. lip Snyder.
William Green.
Wniiam SraaUwood.
John Gonter, Jr.
Darnel Spring.
Dr. Thu.i.as G.lffilh.
Willi.im Vickory.
William Gillaoby.
Thomas L. Wilson.
Evan Green.
Edward Williams.
Michael Gundecker.
San.nel Wright.
Micluud Gundecker, Jr.
Thomas Wright.
John Gonler, Sr.
Henry Withers.
JohnGreenleaf.
James Wright.
Christian House,-.
William Wiight.
Susanna Houston.
James Wright, Jr.
Kobert W. Houston.
James Wilson.
Kudolph Herr.
Jacob Williams.
Dominick Haughey.
Michoel Wisler.
Jacob Hoon.
George Wyke.
John Uippy.
Benjamin Worrell.
Christian Hertzlor.
John Wilson, Esq.
Christhui Habecker.
Thomas Walters.
Daniel Ilorr.
James Warden.
John Haldeinan.
Lewie W ish-i.
Chiislian Unldeoian.
William Welsh.
Samuel Wiighfs estate.
Amos Harmel'.
George Zeiglei.
James Hopkins.
Widow Zeigler.
Widow Heller.
George Zeigler, cooper.
Emanuel Heller.
BOROUGH OP COLUMBIA.
niifman, innkeeper.
Jacob Marley.
Joseph Mother, innkeeper,
Pliilip Moor.
Samuel C. McKean, lumbe
Steplieu Bojer, minister.
Julin Bennet.
E/.ekiel Cook, innkeeper.
Joniitlian Clmlfant.
Kol.ort Clialfiint, blacksmitli.
Iknjamin Cumuiings
JoiiuUian Deen, innkeeper.
Ilugli Dougherty, liatter.
Henry Fialier.
James Given.
Wm. B. Hunt, luml.er merchant.
Joseph Hunt, store-keeper.
William Hassen, innkeeper.
Michael Heisely, gate-keeper a
bridge.
James Jordon.
Jacob Johnson, shoemaker.
William Kruchman.
Jacob Loilheiser. innkeeper.
James Long, caipenter.
Samuel Urown.
Alexander Cowen, book-keeper.
Christopher Cortpnian, cooper.
David Duulap, teacher.
Joseph Enes.
Peter Epley, store-keeper.
Kllllan Epley, store- keeper.
Dr. Samuel Fahnestock.
Dr. Samuel Houston.
John Hudders.
Isaac Vaughan, innkeeper.
John Way
aith.
Joseph Wade.
Henry Welsh, shoemaker.
Jaeob Witmer, lumber merchant.
Slicliael May.
Samuel Watt, shoHmaker.
Paul Wolf, carpenter.
Henry Quest, cabinet-maker.
Benjamin Barrey, barber.
John Briggs, tailor.
Martin Currie.
datlii
John
lliani McClure, gunsmith.
in Mans, Jr., watcliDian.
lliam Roxberry, barber.
in L. Stake.
nry Steel.
ins H. Slaymaker, store-keeper.
lliam Todd.
lies Todd, shoemaker.
uuel Standsbnry, schoolmaster.
ristopher Taylor
omas Wright, turner.
nea Wilson, cabinet-maker.
iiuel Whitehill, store-keeper.
in Zeigler, cooper.
Civiftiist. — The borough was incorporated in 1814.
Tlie principal ofBcers from that time to the present
were as follows :
1914.— Chief Burgess, Christian Bienneman; Asslstuiit Burgess, John
Dicks.
1814.— Chief Bargess, John Dicks; Assistant Burgess, Michae| Elder.
1810,-Chief Burgess, William Vickiy; Assistant Burgess, Thomas A.
Wilson.
1817.— Chief Burgess, William P. Beatty; Assistant Burgess, Thomas
A. Wilson.
1818.— Chief Burgess, James Clyde; Assistant Burgess, John Snyder.
1819.— Chief Burgess, James Clyde; Assistant Burgess, Hubert Ricli-
1821J.— Chief Burgees, William Grier ; Assistant Burgess, Janies
1827.— Chief Burgess, Robert Sjiear; Assistant Burgess, Jacob Matliiot.
1828.— Chief Burgess, Robert Spear; Assistant Burgess, George Zeig-
1S29. — Chief Bui-gess, John Barber; Assistant Burgess, Jacob Mathiot.
lS30.—Cl^ief Burgess, Joseph Cottrell; Assistant Burgess, John Gonter,
Jr.
1831. — Chief Burgess, Joseph Cottrell; Asaistant Burgess, John Bar-
1832.— Chief Burgess, Robert Spear; Assistant Burgess, Michael Way.
1833.— Chief Burgess, John Ainis: Assistant Burgess, John Swartz.
1834.— Chief Burgess, Robert Spear; Assistant Burgess, Jonas Rumple.
1836-3G.— Chief Burgess, Robert W. Houston ; Asaistant Burgess, John
Swartz.
1 837-38.— Chief Burgess, John Arms ; Assistant Burgess, John Swartz.
1839.- Chief Burgess, John Arms; Asaistant Burgess, Francis Boggs.
1840. — Chief Burgess, John Arms ; Assistant Burgess, Samuel Slathiot.
1841. — Chief Burgess, John Arms; Assistant Burgess, Francis Boggs.
1842.— Chief Burgess, Samuel Mathiot; .Assistant Burgess, Francis
Bradley.
1843.— Chief Burgess, Richard Derrick ; Assistant Burgess, Francis
Bradley.
1844-45.— Chief Burgess, Tliomas Floyd; Assistant Burgess, Francis
Bradley.
1840— Chief Burgess, Samuel Grove; Assistant Burgess, George
Weaver.
1647.— Chief Burgess, William I'attun ; Assistant Burgess, George
Weaver.
1848— Chief Burgess, James Jordon ; Assistant Burgess, Daniel Clml-
fant.
1849.— Chief Burgess, John D. Wright ; Assistitnt Burgess, Nelson
1850.-
-Chief Burgess
Ge
igo Wolf;
Assistant
Burgess
Gerhart
Brandt
18,=.!.-
-Chief Burgess,
Am
3 S. Green ;
Assistau
Burgess
John
B.
Edwarc
s.
1852.-
-Chief Burgess,
John
Stewart; A
sistant Burgess, John B.
Ed-
1853.-
-Chief Burgess,
Jose
ph M. Watts
; Assista
t Burges
, Cha
les
M. Strine.
1854.-
-Chief Burgess,
Josei
hM. Watts
Assistant
Burgess,
Abral
am
1S55.-
-Chief Burgess
Jol
n Finger;
Assistant
Burgess,
Amos
S.
1856.-
-Chief Burgess,
Abr.aham Myers
Assistau
t Burgess
Micl
ael
Clepper.
1857.— Chief Burgess, Rudolph Williams; Asaistant Burgess, Samuel
Read.
1858.— Chief Burgess, Harford Fraley ; Assistant Burgess, John Kippy.
1869.— Chief Burgess, Thomas J. Bishop; Assistant Burgess, Joseph
J. List.
1860, — Chief Burgess, Samuel Grove ; Assistant Burgess, Jonas Myers.
1861.— Chief Burgess, Peter Fraley; Assistant Burgess, Joseph Tyson.
18G2.— Chief Burgess, Peter Fraley; Assistant Burgess, John Schroe-
Pfahler ; Assistant Burgess, John
ant Burgess, S. H.
lut Burgess, George
-Chief Burgess, Henry F. Slaymake
Fullerl
[ Burgess, Robert
1822.— Chief Burgess, Robert Spear; AssisUint Burgess, Isaac Vaughen.
1823.— Chief Burgess, Robert Spear; Assistant Burgess, Eli H. Thomas.
1824.— Chief Burgess, John Barber; Assistant Burgess, William
Lewis.
182.'.-26.— Chief Burgess, Robert Sjiear; Asaistant Burgess, William
Todd.
1863.— Chief Burgess, Jacob
Schroedor.
1864— Chief Burgess, Rudolph Williai
Do Negre.
1865.— Chief Burgess, Rudolph Willian
W. Fry.
1866. — Chief Burgess, Rudolph Williams ; Assistant Burgess, John
Shenberger.
In 1866 a new charter was granted, which abolished
;he office of assistant burgess. The burgesses since
;hen have been as follows;
, 1874. William B. Faesig.
I 1876-76 Joseph Hinkle.
j 1877. John A. Jordan.
I 1878. S. P. Moderwell.
1879. John Shenberger.
18.S0. Charles Melliuger.
1870. James Schroeder
Jacob S. Streine.
John Shenberger.
High Constable. Market Master, Supe]
tlau Strawbrl.lge.
Treasurer, First National Bank.
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Borough Regulator, Samuel Wrigbt.
CouyicU.—A. a. Guiles, president ; John C. Clark, secretary ; Williai
Puttou, Sliiiliael S. Sliiimau, William H. Pfahlcr, Samuel Filber
George TiUe, Williiim H. Hardmaii.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1726. John Wright.
1729. Samuel Blunston.
1744. James Wright.
1791. John Houston.
1807. Kohert Spear.
1811. James ClyUe.
Israel Kloyd.
1816. Thomas Floyd.
1825. William P. Beatty.
18.i5. Michael Streine.
1632. Jacob F. Markly.
April 14, 1S40. Thomas Lloyd.
April 15, 1845. Dr. George Moore.
Kohert Spear.
April 9, 1650. Samuel Brooks.
J. W. Fisher.
April 13, 1853. Jai
Samuel Evans
April 10, 1855. Da
May 12, 1857. Tli"
April 13,
858. Fra
I K. Hun
, Ebur
I Eddy.
April 10, 1860. Join
David E. Brinner.
May 3, 1861. Samuel Evans.
April 15, 1SC2. John R. Eberleiu
April 14, 1863. James H. Hunter
April, 1865. John W. Houston.
i Clark.
uel Ev
April, 1867. John Eddy.
April, 1871. Morris Clark.
Samuel Evans.
April, 1872. Frank Conroy.
April, 1873. S. S. Clair.
April, 1875. B. R. Mayer.
Samuel Evans.
John P. Frank.
April, 1881. George Young, Jr.
W. HaynesGrier.
April, 1882. John P. Frank.
Meeting-Houses— The Friends, or Quakers.—
The pioneer settlers were members of the Society of
Friends, and hekl their meetings for some time after
they came in private liouses. Their number increas-
ing, they built a log meeting-house upon the south
side of Union Street, near Lancaster Avenue.
Their first and only speaker was John Wright,
Esq. Tills settlement, composed entirely of Quakers,
was the only one that ventured to locate upon the
extreme frontier of the province. The heads ofthe.se
families all entered public life, and mingled a great
deal with all classes of people, and hence we find that
they were not very strict in discipline, but conducted
their meetings in their own way, and for thirty years
they persistently refused to ask to come under the
jurisdiction of Sadsbury or Lampeter Quarterly or
Monthly Meetings. The records of these meetings
occasionally make mention of a Wright or a Barber
being "read out" for "marrying out," or for being
married by a "priest," a term by which they desig-
nated a minister regularly ordained, without regard
to any particular denomination to which he may have
belonged. To their credit be it said that nojgreater
offense was ever charged to them. It often required
a great deal of patience and persistence on the part
of Friends to induce them to send to these meetings
a testimony against themselves for these departures
from the discipline of the society. If we follow
closely the history of a number of the descendants
of these pioneer Quakers, we will find that they
wandered much farther away from the time-honored
ciistdins of the society. Some of them entered the
military service of their country, and others strayed oft'
into the civil service, and some were not averse to
the chase and field sports. There are very few, if any,
of the many hundred descendants of John Wright and
Robert Barber who are now members of the Society I :
Friends.
Sadsbury and Tampeter Quarterly Meetings fre
quently selected two or more of their leading men tc
go to the Susquehanna and talk to the Henipfield
Friends,' and occasionally a public speaker stopped
there and preached. But little impression was made
upon them until Jan. 1, 1790, when Job Scott, a cel-
ebrated Quaker, who came from England, and after
an extended tour through the Southern States, along
the sea-coast, where he aroused the followers of
George Fox to renewed action. On his return he
preached at Pipe Creek, Manallen, Huntingdon,
Warrington, Newberry, and York, thence to Wright's
Ferry, where he remained at the Widow Wright's for
several days. He preached a number of times at her
house, and awakened a strong feeling among the de-
scendants of the pioneer settlers.
In 1799 the Quakers at Columbia made applica-
tion to Lampeter Monthly Meeting to hold an "in-
dulged meeting" on first and week days.
Samuel Wright, the founder of Columbia, gave the
society a lot on Cherry Street, near Third Street, in
trust, to build a meeting-house on.
It was not, however, until the year 1810 that the
meeting at Columbia was established by " Cain Quar-
ter," and in 1812 they were allowed a " preparative
meeting."
The present brick meeting-house was erected about
the year 1800. (Under the head of schools further
notice is made of it.)
There are now living in Columbia but two persons
who claim to belong to the Society of Friends. Oc- •
casionally Friends from a distance come and hold
meetings, but when they are gone the building i?
closed up, sometimes for a year or more.
The Methodist Church.— On ilie 13th day o:
July, 1803, Samuel AVright gave Lot No. 160, as laid
down on the plan of "Old Columbia," which was the
last number on the "plan," and was situated at the
south corner of Alley " K" and Fifth Street, meas-
uring forty-seven feet on Fifth Street, and extending
along said alley two hundred and thirty feet. This lot
was conveyed to the following-named persons : Samuel
Goff-, Benjamin Wright, John Wright, Christian Herr,
Christian Herr, Jr., Abraham Herr, David Mussel-
man, William Todd, Robert Magill, Thomas Lloyd,
Abraham Groft", Owen Bruner, William Torbert, John
Boehm, James W. Newcomb, and Isaac Swartzwal-
ter, trustees. This lot of ground on the west side of
Cherry Street, between Fourth and Fifth Streets, meas-
uring sixty feet front and one hundred feet deep,
upon which they desired to erect a Methodist Church,
was purchased when every species of property was
inflated. A part of the purchase money was paid,
and a mortgage was given for the payment of the
balance. No building was erected upon this lot, and
the congregation continued to worship in the little
frame church in the alley.
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
553
The 'trustees of the Ebenezer meeting-house, for
the Methodist Episcopal Church, erected a frame
meeting-house ui)on the rear end of this lot, measur-
ing about twenty-five feet front and fort}' feet long.
The pulpit stood at the north end. For thirty years
this congregation had no regular pastor. The pulpit
was filled occasionally by an itinerant minister, who
traveled around the circuit. The trustees named
above resided principally in Manor township. They
belonged to the circuit. When a four weeks' and
six weeks' circuit was established, there were min-
isters enough to assign a pastor once a week to each
congregation. Sometimes several weeks would inter-
vene before the same pastor came to the same con-
gregation a second time. (This little frame church
building in the alley was purchased by Stephen
Smith, who razed it to the ground, and erected another
one for the colored Baptists. It was burned down,
and a brick one erected in its place, wliich has been
converted into dwellings.)
Tiie membership of this church increased very
fast. Their meetings were largely attended, and this
little church building in the alley was found entirely
inadequate to accommodate tliem. They were gen-
erally poor people or in moderate circumstances, and
they were not able to buy a lot in a more desirable
part of the town, and erect a larger house, and they
found it up-hill work to collect from the public at
large.
In the year 1829 Columbia is first mentioned in the
minutes of the Methodist Church records. John Go-
1 forth and J. Ledmeni were ajipointed to go to the
place.
In 1830 it was a large circuit, and reported two
hundred and eighty-two members. Afterwards it was
called Strasburg and Columbia Circuit until the year
1835, when it was organized as a station, and Francis
Ilodson was its first stationed preacher. On the 10th
day of August, 1832, Michael Elder and his wife,
Charlotte, conveyed to William Todd, James Little,
Joseph Cottrell, Abram Bruner, Jacob Matliiot, James
Giren, Thomas Lloyd, Abraham Sherrick, and Henry
.Alartin, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
forty-eiglit feet of ground fronting on Cherry Street,
and extending north along the east side of Tliird
Street one hundred feet to a twelve-feet wide alley.
They erected upon this lot a brick building forty feet
fronting on Cherry Street, and e.Ktending along Third
Street sixty feet, with a basement-room under the en-
tire building. A gallery ran around three sides. The
pulpit was at the northern end. The building was
remodeled and enlarged in 18-lG by adding fifteen feet
to the northern end. The ceiling of the basement-
rooin w:is also raised about one fiiot. In 1851 this
cliurch was partially destroyed by fire, and the con-
gregation worsiiiped for a time in Odd-Fellows' Hall.
The congregation purchased a lot on the corner of
Second and Clierry Streets, upon which they erected
a church building in 1852, measuring fifty feet front
on Second Street and seventy-five feet along Cherry
Street. Upon the rear end of the lot they built a
two-story brick dwelling-house for the sexton.
The following-named members remain of those who
belonged toYhe church when it was first organized as
a station in 1833,: Abigail Dean, widow of Benjamin -
Dean; Samuel Grove, who has been a very active
member of this church for fifty years, and has built
up a fine circulating library of choice books (he
married (second time) Maria, daughter of the late
Ephraim Eby (" miller") who is also a member of the
church. His first wife was a Miss Stacy, of Stras-
burg, in this county); Catharine Lightheiser; Pru-
dence Suydam, widow of the late Henry Suydam
(who was a director of the Columbia National Bank),
and daughter of the late James Given, lumber mer-
chant.
The present trustees of the church are Abram
Bruner, Robert Beecham, Daniel Stape, Jr., J. R.
Witmer, John Paine, Henry F. Bruner, Samuel S.
Klair, Ephraim Hershey, S. H. Hoffman.
WoM.\x's FuRiiiGx Missionary Society.— Presi-
dent, Mrs. Richard W. Humphreys; Vice-Presidents,
Mrs. M. Bletz, Mrs. S. S. Nowlen ; Recording Secre-
tary, Mrs. Ella Meiser; Corresponding Secretary,
Mrs. Julia Kauffman , Treasurer, Miss Emma Patton.
L.4.DIE.S' CiiUKCii Aid Society.— President, Mrs.
Richard W. Humjihreys; Secretary, Miss Mary
Paine; Treasurer, Mrs. S. J. Bruner. The present
membership is something over four hundred and fifty.
Sunday-Schools.— Superintendent, ;
Assistant Superintendent, A. G. Guiles; Secretary,
S. W. Guiles; Assistant Secretary, F. G. Paine; Treas-
urer, A. C. Bruner; Chorister, A. Bruner; Librarians,
J. S. Maxton, James Schraeder, I. Annerler.
Cookman Chapel Sunday School— This chapel ,
was erected by the Methodist Episcopal Church a few
years ago, at the corner of Fifth and Locust Streets,
and is sustained and owned by the mother-church, at
the corner of Second ami Cherry Streets. The olBcers
are as follows : Superintendent, Simon Cameron May ;
First Assistant, J. W. F. Nowlen ; Second Assistant,
G. W. Panics; Secretary, H. B. Dean; Assistant Sec-
retary and Treasurer, William K. Nowden ; Libra-
rians, Thomas J. Wright, J. S. Snyder, C. W. Steven-
son, I. E. Graybill, Harry Bonson ; Chorister, C. W.
Stevenson; Organist, Mrs. Thomas J. Wright.
The Methodist Church is in a prosperous condition,
and the churoli buildings are free from debt. There
have been periods of dissension in the congregation,
caused generally by trouble between the pastor and
the congregation. The term of service of the former,
when this took place, was shortened, and a change of
pastors brought harmony again. But for this arrange-
ment in the policy of the Methodist Episcopal Church
it would have been split in two, and two or more
churches would have been erected in the place, and
both doubtless would have gone into decay for want
554
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Since 1835 the church has had the following pas-
tors: Francis Hodson, 1835; William Roberts, 1836-
37; Elijah Miller, 1838-39; James Cunningham,
1840; James H. McFariand, 1841; Joshua Hum-
phries, 1842-43 ; David Gardner, 1844; William H.
Elliot, 1845; Stephen Townsend, 1846; William
Barnes, 1847-18; William Urie, 1849-50; William
Bishop, 1851-52; Joseph Mason, 1853; William
Cooper, 1854; J. W. McCaskey, 1855-56; William
Barnes, 1857-58; J. Y. Ashton, 1859; J. Aspril,
1860; J. B. Maddox, 18G1-62; H. R. Calloway, 1863-
64; William Major, 1865-67 ; S. H. C.Smith, 1868-70;
Robert J. Carson, 1871-73; J. Dickerson, 1874-75;
Theodore Stevens, 1876-78; Henry Wheeler, 1879-
81; Richard W. IIuiii|ihries, son of former pastor,
1882-84.
Presbyteriau Church.— In the summer of 1808,
Revs. Collin McFarquahr and Robert Cathcart
preached in Columbia occasionally in the Methodist
meeting-house. In September of that year an un-
successful effort was made to organize a society and
erect a house of worship.
In February, 1806, Rev. Nathaniel Snowdeu, who
had settled in Lancaster, began to preach here
statedly every third Sabbath, sometimes in the Meth-
odist Church and sometimes in a storehouse or in
private houses.
On the 29th of August, 1807, he ordained William
P. Beatty, Esq., Moses Montgomery, and James
Graham ruling elders, and on the following day
administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to
about twenty-two communicants. Mr. .S:iowden re-
ceived from eighty to one hundred dollars per annum
for his services, which continued till 1808.
In the spring of 1809 Rev. William Kerr engaged
. for one-fourth of his time, and received about one
hundred dollars per year for his services. At his
suggestion the following application was, on the 26th of
March, 1810, made to the Presbytery of New Castle :
" We, the eulscribers, beg leave to state tliat a few famlliea of tliis
place, any twelve or fourteeD, associated together about four years ago
for public worship. This society was organised in due form by Rev.
ders were ordained, aud the ordinances have sinci
been occasionally adniinist<-red.
"We wish to be connected with the Presbyterian Clmrch, and desire
as a congregation, to be taken under your care. That you umy grtui
our request auil that our infant society may prosper und^r your direc
" Wm. p. Bcattv,
" Moses Montoumerv,
Samuel Wright donated to the congregation for a
building-site a lot adjoining the German Church,
but this not being deemed suitable, was in October,
1810, spld for three hundred and fifty dollars, and
anollier on the corner of Locust and Fourth Streets
purchased for six liundied dollars, and conveyed to
the trustees Feb. 9, 1811. The foundation of the
church was laid on the 15th of July, 1811, ami on
the 19th of July; 1812, the house was opened fur
public worship.
Mr. Kerr became stated supply, and on the 13th o\
September, 1812, ordained John Hudders. Dr. Hugl^
McCorkle, and John JIcRessick ruling elders. H'j
cefised to supply the church in January, 1814. !
In May, 1814, Rev. Stephen Boyer became suppljl
and continued to minister to the congregation tilj
1830, although there does not appear any record of
his installation as pastor. It is believed that he
preached here on alternate Sabbaths. During a larga
portion of his term of service he resided at York
during the latter part of his term, where he was eu-i
gaged in teaching in addition to his other duties. i
The church building when first erected stood back
from Locust Street about twenty feet. The pulpit]
which was at the Locust Street end, was several feet
higher than the present one, and a gallery crossed the
rear end. Thirty-sis years ago the building was re-,
modeled and extended to Locust Street; John Fred.i
Houston was the architect and Michael Clepper the
builder. A few years later a Sunday-school and ses-
sion-house were erected in the rear of the church, and
both that and the church building were enlarged aid
remodeled a few years since.
The names of the following members appear on the
record in the sessions-book from 1808 to 1822, inclu-
sive : William P. Beatty and wife, Mrs. Michael Elder,
Mrs. Hugh Menough, Daniel McLane and wife,
John Menough and wife, William Green, Mrs. Simp-
son, John Hudders, John McKissick, Mrs. Sarah
Strickler, Mrs. Letitia Ralston, Miss Sallie Roseburg,
William Wilson, James Wilson and wife, Archibald
Hudders and wife, Dr. Hugh McCorkle, Benja
Worrall and wife, Mary McKissick, Mrs. Bogle, Ja
Bogle, O'Rey Henderson, Samuel C. McKean
wife, John McKissick, Jr., Mrs. Susan McCullough,
James Clyde, Elizabeth Patton, Eleanor Lowry
Mrs. Sarah McCorkle, Mrs. Amy H. Houston, Cath
erine McKissick, Jlary McKissick, Robert Spear,
Mrs. Mary Wilson, Mrs. Mary Hendrickson, Henry
Martin, Dr. William F. Houston, John Fletcher,
Mrs. Susannah Fletcher (his wife), Ann Greenleaf,
Hannah Merkle, Sarah Peters, Mrs. Mary Jetl'ries,
Catherine, Rachel, and Joseph Copeland, Josepli
Irwin, Mrs. Mary Whitehill, Lydia Exley, Sarali
McKissick, John Jacoby, Mrs. Nancy Slack, Mrs
Mary Gravinger, Eliza Ann McKissick, Mrs. Rebecca
Slaymaker, Henry F. Slaymaker, Elizabeth Morgan,
Maria McLaughlin, John Briggs, Jacob Cling, Mrs
JIussailew Briggs, Elizabeth Keesey, Mrs. Mary
Boyd, Cornelius Dysart, Margaret Guy, Mary Plar
ris, Mary Smith, i\Iary Wycke, Joseph Wallace, Su
sannah Dysart, Jane Rody, Jacob Purkopile and
wife, Mrs. Jane Vaughan, Mrs. Maria Shipps, M
Margaret Worrell, Eleanor W.Houston, Mrs. Amelia
B. Heise, Mary Stump, Elizabeth Wright, John Sib-
bits, Samuel B. Heise, Jane Sibbits, Elizabeth Sib-
bits, Elisha Hallowell.
From 1813 to 1827 the following deaths and re-
movals of members are recorded : Robert Gamble,
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
555
Martin Rohrer, Mary Ann Bogle, Robert Wilson,
Ann Elder, Thomas Brooks, Jacob Anthony, James
Warden, Warwick Miller, Frances Worrell, Jlary
Mans, Dolly Montgomery, Henry Mans, Esther
Green, John Slaymaker, John Ralston, Martha Atlee,
Amos Buckalew, John Eberlein, Jr., Mary Amelia
McCorkle, Mrs. Catherine Green, Nancy Spear, John
Mathiot, Andrew Johnson, Amy H. Houston, Han-
naii Merkle, Moses Montgomery, Mrs. Emily Wright,
Mrs. Jane McKeau, James Bogle, Henry Martin,
Lvdia Exley, George Gonter, S. E. McKean, Mrs.
Sarah Boyer, Mrs. Mary Smith, Samuel Hassan, Sarah
Strickler.
Tlie ministers of the Presbyterian Church since its
organization have been as follows: Nathaniel R. Snow-
den, stated supply, 1804; Colin McFarquahr, stated
supply, 1805; William Kerr, stated supply, 1808-14;
Stephen Bowyer, 1814-33 ; John H. Symmes, 1833-39 ;
Robert W. Dunlap, 1841-44; Roger Owen, 1844-50;
Ebenezer Erskine, 1851-57; Joseph S. Grimes, 1858-
61; Robert A. Brown, 18(34; J. Witherow, John Mc-
Coy, George Wells Ely.
In connection with the Presbyterian Church a
Sunday-school was established soon after Rev. Stephen
Boyer became permanently located in this charge,
and John McKissick was chosen its superintendent.
Ill the year 1825 there were five male teachers and
seven female teachers; sixty-four male scholars and
fifty female scholars.
For the year 1825 the teachers were Samuel B.
Heise (living), Henry Connelly, Guilford Claiborne,
Thomas Cochran, Mary Stump, C. McKissick, Mary
McKissick, Catharine Stump, Eleanor Houston, Wil-
liam Mathiot, John Houston, Elizabeth Sterret, Eliza-
beth A. McKissick, Henrietta Claiborne, Samuel
Greenleaf, Christiana Houston, Benjamin Worrall,
Daniel McLane, Daniel J. Snow, John McKissick,
Jr., John R. Beatty, John Stewart, Preston B. Elder,
Mary Cochran, Ann Elizabeth Beatty (living), Sarah
S. McCorkle, C. G. T. Waggoner, Adam Campbell.
The German Evangelical Lutheran (Salem)
Church «a-> organized in the year 180G, and was
made up of Germans who resided in Columbia and
vicinity. Not being strong enough to build a church
alone, they informally agreed to unite with the
German Reformed Congregation, which was organ-
ized about the same time, and by their united etlbrts
raised funds for the erection, of a church in which
both congregations were to worship on alternate Sab-
baths. In 1807 a brick church was erected on Wal-
nut Street between Third and Fourth Streets. This
was the second church erected in Columbia (the first
one being the Friends' meeting-house). Tlie pulpit
was supplied by the pastor of the Lutheran congrega-
tion in Lancaster, Maytown, and Manheiin. Thus
the two congregations worshiped in the same church
harmoniously. In 1819 they made* a mutual agree-
ment in writing to hold the property jointly and wor-
ship on alternate Sundays. The Rev. J. Strein had
been their regular pastor four years prior to this date,
and he continued to preach there for more than forty
years, until he was compelled from age to relinquish
I the charge.'
I The congregation grew so large that it became
j necessary to erect a larger church building. In 186(J,
under the pastorate of Rev. Darmstaetter, a new
I church building was erected upon the site of the old
j one, which was torn down. The congregation was
divided some years ago, and another church was built.
For a few years after the division the old church was
weak and few in numbers. The congregation has
gradually increased until it now numbers one hun-
dred and twenty-five persons.
Since Mr. Darmstaetter's pastoral duties ceased
the succession of pastors has been as follows : Revs.
Heischmann, Reidenbach, Schwartz, Czar Nedden,
Baner, Charles Ernst, Burghardt, A. Eisenhauer, H.
Rella, the present pastor.
The trustees are William Harm, John Ehrnan,
Fran. Thumm ; and the elders, F. Abendschein,
Jacob Nickalaus, Stephen Kneal, J. Wigand, Chris-
tian Kunly, Lewis Messer, John Weber, John Kranz,
Ludwig Schiler, Nicholas' Wolf, Aug. Witt, John
Hans. There is a flourishing Sunday-school con-
nected with the church.
St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran Church
of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.— Tlie con-
gregation and pastor belonging to this church with-
drew from Salem Church, on Walnut Street, in the
year 1862, on account of certain proceedings therein
and against which this portion of the congregation
in vain protested.
In the following year they were recognized by the
Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylva-
nia as the regular congregation which worshiped in,
and known as, the Salem Church. Not being strong
enough to elect the proper number of officers as pro-
vided for in their charter, they only elected provisory
officers. For a short time the services were held in
the parsonage on Fourth Street. Subsequently, for a
period of about two years, services svere held in the
German Reformed Church, at the corner of Cherry
and Third Streets, and for the following four years
services were held in Washington Institute. On
Sept. 13, 1808, the congregation reorganized under
the title given at the head of tiiis article. Up
to this period and to the present time the Rev. J.
A. Darmstaetter has presided over this congregation
with great acceptability. The officers elected were
Peter Rodenhauser, Sr., elder ; Christian Kraft,
George Gundel, deacons; Nicholas Beinhauer, Adam
Brommer, John Neuer, trustees.
In the samfe year they commenced the erection of
a new church building, on the north side of Locust
Street, about midway between Fifth and Sixth Streets.
It was finished and dedicated June 21, 1869. The
building is a one-story brick, thirty-two by sixty
feet, which has a seating cajiacity of four hundred.
556
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
At the time of the withdrawal of this congregation
from Salem Church they numbered fifty communi-
cants. They now number two hundred. The churcli
is free from debt and has a surplus fund.
There is a Sunday-school connected with tlie con-
gregation which is in a flourishing condition. Tliere
are sixteen teachers and eighty scholars in regular
attendance.
Trinity Reformed Church.— A number of German
families organized a congregation about the year
1805, but had no stated place to hold their religious
meetings.
Samuel Wright, the founder of Old Columbia,
gave them and the Lutherans a lot of ground on
the south side of Walnut Street, between Third and
Fourth Streets, on the 13th day of March, 1806, and
these two denominations by their joint eflbrts col-
lected enough funds to erect a brick church building
about the year 1807-8. This was the second church
building erected in the place, the Friends' being the
first.
For some years neither congregation had a regular
pastor, nor did they have preaching at stated inter-
vals.
On the 2d day of December, 1821, the German
Eeformed congregation and the Evangelical Lutheran
congregation of Columbia entered into an amicable
agreement, wherein it was stated that they built a
church jointly under the name of Salem Church.
Each was to worship on alternate weeks, the Luther-
ans to commence the first Sunday in January. If
one congregation did not worship on the Sunday
assigned to it, then the other one was not prohibited
from doing so.
The Rev. Henry Shaffner, who resided at Marietta,
but preached at Maytown, Marietta, and Columbia,
was the pastor of the German Reformed Church.
The names of the trustees were Isaac Hougendobler,
Philip Mumma, Peter Livergood, and Adam Otstot;
Joseph Hougendobler, George Peters, Peter Mumma,
Jr., John Hougendobler, wardens.
This church was incorporated in 1820. Mr. Shati-
ner remained pastor of the charge to which Columbia
then belonged, consisting also of Marietta, Elizabeth-
town, Maytown, and Manheim, until the year 1840.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Herman Bokuni, whose
ministry lasted only a few years. From 1845 to 1850
the congregation was served by Rev. D. Y. Heisler,
who resigned in April, and was succeeded by the Rev.
Alfred Helfenstein, who continued to preach during
the remainder of the year 1850. In 1851, Rev. W.
Goodrich took charge of the congregation, and re-
signed Dec. 12, 1852. He was succeeded by Rev.
Joel T.'Reber, in April, 1853, who resigned in the
summer of 1854. About this time the Reformed and
Lutheran congregations dissolved tlieir agreement,
the latter purchasing from. the former their interest
in Salem Church, Services were then held by the
Reformed congregation in the old town hall.
In the same year they erected a new Refoi'med
Church at the corner of Cherry and Third Streets, of
I brick, two stories high, which is the building still oc-
[ cypied by the Trinity congregation. The licentiate,
I Christian C. Russell, commenced preaching in this
churcti on the 19th of October, 1850. He was or-
dained and installed on the Tth of December, 1856,
and resigned in the spring of 1858. About this time
the church was sold by the sheriff and purchased by
Nicholas Hougendobler. On the 1st of December,
1858, Rev. John Hoft'meier took charge of the con-
gregation, which was at this time very small, and the
few members who adhered to the congregation were
very much discouraged. Mr. Hoffuieier's pastorate
soon terminated, after which the congregation was
supplied by different ministers of Lancaster Classis
until Oct. 29, 1864, when the Rev. James A. Shultz
became pastor, but after a few months' labor was
obliged to retire on account of sickness. After his
withdrawal Dr. Theodore Appel and Rev. John G.
Wolf were appointed a committee of supply. Under
their efficient management the congregation was in-
creased, and funds amounting to three thousand two
hundred dollars were collected to liquidate the church
debt and redeem the church property.
In 1868 the Rev. F. Pilgram's pastorate commenced,
which lasted until the fall of 1872. The audience-
chamber was handsomely frescoed, and the entire
building, both in the interior and exterior, painted.
An organ was purchased for the congregation, and
also a reed-organ for the Sunday-school, and a two-
; story brick parsonage was erected upon their property
adjoining the church on Cherry Street.
In the summer of 1873, Rev. C. Clever became
pastor, and under his energetic and efficient ministry
the membership was largely increased. He resigned
in February, 1879, and the present able pastor, Rev.
C. S. Gerhard, entered upon his duties on July 1, 1879.
The entire debt against the church and parsonage has
been removed. This church up to January 1, 1883
received missionary aid, but now is self-supporting
The present membership is one hundred and eighty-
four, and the Sunday-school scholars number two
hundred.
The German Lutheran Church was organized con
temporaneously with the Gcrjuan Reformed Cliurch,
and through their combined efforts a church building
was erected upon a lot given them by Samuel Wright,
which is located on the south side of Walnut Street,
midway between Third and Fouith Streets. The
congregation was supplied occasionally by the minis-
ters located at Maytown and Lanciuster for several
years, these two congregations holding service on
alternate Sundays.
St. Paul's Church. —Services of the Protestant
Episcopal Church were held occasionally in this place
I by the Rev. Joseph Clarkson, of Lancaster, as early
I as 1820, in the Presbyterian Church at the corner of
Fourth and Locust Streets. Services ceased alto-
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
557
getiier about the year 1835. About the year 1840 an
effort was made to organize a church and erect a build-
iiig„and six luuidred dollars was subscribed for that
jiurpose. Nothing was done, however, until a regular
organization was perfected, in 1848, when its first rector,
Rev. D wight E. Lyman, was called to preside over them
on the 13th day of August, 1848. To the efibrts of
Mr. Lyman the parish owes the erection of its very
pretty church building. The corner-stone was laid
Oct. 10, 1849, and completed in 1850, the consecration
taking place on the 28th day of May of that year. Mr.
Lyuian remained in charge until July, 1853. He was
a beautiful reader and an elegant performer on the
organ or piano-forte, and was one of the finest singers
of sacred music within the range of the Episcopal
Cliurch. He connected himself with the Roman
Catholic Church in 1854, and is now a regular or-
dained priest. The history of the church has been
quiet, and its growth moderate.
The following is a list of the rectors succeeding Mr.
Lyman : the Rev. Henry W. Woods, from December,
1853, to Oct. 1, 1854; Rev. Alexander McLeod, D.D.,
from May, 1855, to January, ISoC; the Rev. Samuel
E. Appleton, from July, 1857, to the early part of
1860; Rev. Theodore A. Hopkins, of Lancaster, pro-
vided services temporarily in the spring and summer
of 1860; Rev. John Cromlish, from January, 18Gl,to
September, 1867. He is now a minister in the Meth--
odist Episcopal Church. (In the summer of 1865 the
members who had been accustomed to attend this
church from Marietta concluded to build a church in
that place, which they did, and this parish was de-
prived of their presence and offerings.) Rev. Benja-
min L Douglass, from January, 1868, to July, 1870.
! The Rev. George H. Kirkland, from Sept. 11, 1870,
to Dec. 28, 1873. The Rev. Percival Becket, from
Feb. 1, 1874, to July 11, 1875. He also conducted a
parochial classical school. The Rev. George H. Kirk-
land (.second time), from Sept. 5, 1875, to Aug. 5, 1879.
The Rev. Richard C. Searing, Dec. 5, 1879, and is the
present pastor.
There is a Sunday-school attached to the church.
United Brethren in Christ.— In the year 1846
the first families belonging to this denomination
moved to Columbia. Their names were Christian
Hershey and Solomon Von Neida. The first preach-
ing was held at their dwellings by itinerant preach-
ers who happened to be passing through the place.
From this small beginning their numbers gradually
increased, when preaching was held in the brick
Bchool-house on Third Street, near Perry Street, in
the year 1858-59. A great many persons connected
themselves with the church at that time. In the year
18C0 they erected- a church building of brick at the
corner of Third and I'crry Streets. The trustees at
that time were Christian Hershey, Jonas Gather, and
David Wayne.
A Sabbath-school was ajso organized, which now
numbers two hundred and seventy-five scholars;
Jacob Sneath, superintendent. There are now two
hundred members of the congregation in good stand-
ing. The ministers in regular succession were Rev.
Joseph Young, Gilbert, J. Scotf, J. Young, T.
Peters, G. W.'M. Riger, J. Doughter, W. S. H. Keys,
A. Kauffmau, G. Wagner, H. V. Mahn, J. C. Munima,
J. W. Geiger, J. D. Mouer, C. S. Meily, S. G. Merrick,
J. C. Smith, and J. B. Funk.
The present trustees are John C. Klingbill, A. Dyer,
Thomas S. White, D. Welsh, and Uriah Sourbeer.
The congregation and Sunday-school are in a flour-
ishing condition, and in the near future they contem-
plate the erection of a larger church building in a
more central part of the town.
Evangelical English Lutheran Church.— During
the year 1849, Rev. J. H. Menjes, of Mount Joy,
preached at stated times in the English language in
the German Lutheran Church on Walnut Street.
About this time he took up his residence in Colum-
bia, and devoted his time to the work of preparing
the way for the organization of an exclusively Eng-
lish Lutheran Church. J. C. Pfahler, H. Pfahler,
Andrew Gohn, John Hiffer, and others were active
in this work, and to their efforts is owing the fact
that the church is in existence to-day.
The formal organization of the church did not take
place at once, but the work of building a place of
worship was first completed. The land for the site
of the church was purchased April 2, 1850, and the
building finished during the next two years, at an ex-
pense of !ji6390.50, more than lialf of which remained
as a debt against the new congregation.
The congregation was incorporated by special act
of the Legislature, March 8, 1853, under the title of
the English Lutheran Congregation of Columbia.
During the subsequent years the congregation gradu-
ally increased, and after discharging all debts and
liabilities, and paying for numerous improvements,
in 1875, under the ministry of Rev. J. C. Burke, the
church was enlarged, remodeled, and furnished with
all the modern church conveniences, at an expense of
ten thousand dollars.
In the spring of 1881 certain tendencies culminated
in the withdrawal of a number of members, who
organized a new congregation which located farther
up-town.
\ The church was without a pastor at the time, but
soon afterwards obtained one in the person of Rev.
William P. Evans, who assumed charge July 1, 1881.
Since that time there has been steady growth and a
systematic and regular reduction of the church debt.
The church has now nearly two hundred communi-
cant members. A flourishing Sunday-school, with a
well-selected library of twelve iiundred volumes, and
[ a most convenient, well-ajipointed, and valuable
! church property, situated on Second Street, between
I Locust and Walnut.
Thepresentboardof officersconsistof: Elders, John
Steetin, L. C. Oberlin, J. IL Oberlin, and Samuel
558
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Filbert; Deacons, F. A. Bennett, J. G. Beemer, H. F.
Yergey, L. W. May, J. G. Peirce, Ed. Newcomer, S.
P. Graver, and Dr. 0. F. Miirkel ; Sunday-school
Superintendent, L. W. May.
The li.st of pastors from the beginning comprises
the following: Rev. J. H. Menges, 1849-00; Rev. P.
E. Dorsey, M.D., 1860-63; Rev. C. Reemensnyder,
1863-65 ; Rev. W. H. Steck, 1866-70 ; Rev. G. M.
Rhodes, 1870-74; Eev. J. C. Burke, 1875-77; Rev.
F. W. Staley, 1877-81 ; Rev. William P. Evans, 1881
to the present time.
St. Peter's Catholic Church and its Auxiliary
Institutions.— By way of introduction to the history
of this church the following preamble is taken from
the subscription-book issued by the Rev. Bernard
Keenan, in which he authorizes the gentlemen named
therein to collect money for the erection of a church
in the borough of Columbia:
"The Ruman Catholics of the borough of Columbia (by tlie grace of
God), having unanimously resolved to build a Rornim Catholic Church
in said place.endia order to enable them to proceed in so necessary and
laudable an undertaking, are induced to solicit Gubscriptiona from a gen-
erous and charitable public.
"As Roman Catholic pastor of Lancaster County, I sanction and
highly approve of the resolution adopted by the congregation of the
borough of C\)lunibia, under my caro, and likewise state that Messrs.
George Zieglei", John Arms, John McMullen,and Doniinick Eagle, who
compose the committee for collecting subscriptions, are persons worthy
of the highest cotiftdence and tlust.and capable of performing the
duties reposed in them.
"Rev. Bf.rnaed'Keenan.
" Lancabtf.u City, 2d March, 1828."
In pursuance of the resolution to erect a church,
approved by the Rev. Father Keenan, measures were
taken to secure a site. Two lots on Lancaster Ave-
nue, lately used as a cemetery, were bought. It was
afterwards, however, thought best to select a spot in
a more central part of the town, and the ground upon
which the church now stands was purchased. The
funds necessary for commencing the building were not
■without a hard struggle raised, and in 1828 a contract
for the erection of the church was given to Israel
Cooper. The corner-stone was laid in 1828, and in
1830 the church was dedicated by the Right Rev. F.
Patrick Kenrick. Before the erection of the church
the few Catholics living in Columbia were obliged, in
order to hear mass, to go either to Lancaster, York,
or Elizabethtown. Sometimes, however, during this
period mass was said in private houses, that a better
opportunity might be afforded the people of Colum-
bia and vicinity of fuUilling their religious duties.
Prior to the building of the church missionary priests
from Conewago and other places occasionally visited
the town. From 1828, the date of the laying of the
corner-stone, until 1842, Father Keenan came once a
month from Lancaster to say mass and attend to the
spiritual' v/anta of the congregation. In February,
1842, came Rev. Daniel Kelly to reside in Columbia
as the pastor of St. Peter's congregation. His suc-
cessors in order of their appointment were Revs. John
Mackin, B. A. Shorb, M. F. Martin, Dr. Bulfc, Dr.
Leitner, Rev. P. Toner, ami Rev. A. McGinnis.
The church was enlarged by Dr. Balfe, and the
parochial house built by the Rev. Father Shorl
and the ground in front of the church was terracei!
and otherwise beautified by the Rev. Dr. Leitner,
who also had a neat iron railing erected about the
church premises.
This short history of the Roman Catholic Church
in Columbia would not be complete without record-
ing the fact "that the Right Rev. Francis Patrick
Kenrick, Bishop of Philadelphia, trustee for the
Catholic congregation of the borough of Columbia."
procured an act of the Legislature, per McSherry, au-
thorizing him to convey by deed unto Robert B.
Wright, Esq., his heirs, etc., a part of the lot on
which the church was built in exchange for all that
part of his lot adjoining the Catholic Church lot
aforesaid, lying and being southeast of a line drawn
from the west corner of the Catholic parsonage at
right angles to Second Street." For this kind and
generous act on the part of Mr. Wright in exchanging
lots without any money consideration the members ot
St. Peter's congregation felt very grateful to him, and
justly, for it enabled them to have an entrance to
their church from Second Street instead of from
Union Street, as formerly, and it also prevented tl -
erection of objectionable buildings right in front o
the church door, and his memory is still held in
grateful respect by the members of St. Peter's Church.
On the 30th of September, 1866, Rev. J. J. Russell
was appointed pastor by the Right Rev. James F.
Wood, Bishop of Philadelphia. The congregation at
that time was not large, numbering about one hun-
dred families. It possessed what is now called the
old church property, corner of Second and Union
Streets, which extended on Second Street one hun-
dred feet and on Union one hundred and forty-five
feet, and on which were erected the church and paro-
chial house. In the same year the church and house
underwent a complete renovation. In 1872 two brick
houses on Union above Second were purchased foi
the congregation, one of which was used as a dwell-
ing-house by the Sisters who had charge of the paro
chial schools, and the other as a school-house.
The parochial schools which the reverend pastor
opened have been marked by exceptional success, es-
pecially since the advent of the Sisters of Charity.
A notable feature of these schools is the annual
public examinations, which many of the educated
citizens of the town are accustomed to attend. The
searching questioning to which the pupils are sub-
jected at these examinations shows most clearly the
proficiency wliich children, with close application to
study, may be able to attain under the careful train-
ing of. efficient teachers.
For the better convenience of that part of the Hock
living in Wrightsville, a piece of land was purchased
in that borough in tlie year 1874 by Rev. J. J. Rus-
sell for a cemetery, which was consecrated by Right
Rev. J. F. Shanahan, Bishop of Harrisburg, Juue 71'
BOROUGH OP COLUMBIA.
559
t\
of this year. Prior to the buying of the ground for
the cemetery, a house for school purposes in that
town was secured, in which school has continued to
be held. Id March of the same year the St. Patrick's
Temperance and Beneficial Society was established
in the parish, as well as another society called St.
Peter's Church Society. The following extract from
the latter society's minute-book will explain the
object of its organization :
"At a meeting of the parisliiouera of St. Peter's Church, Aug. 2, 1874,
called by Rev. J. J. Russell, pastor of the above church, for the purpose
of adapting some means by which to raise money to pay for the new
church property lately purchased by him for tlie cougregation,
"Resolved, That the parishioners form themselves into an association
under the title of St. Peter's Church Society, fur the liquidation of the
debt incurred by the above-mentioned purchase, and that each member
pay monthly a certain sum of money into the treasury of said society."
This property adjoins the old church property on
the northwest side, and extends on Second Street one
hundred and sixteen feet, giving the entire church
property a frontage of two hundred and sixteen feet.
The building erected by the former owners of the
property is now the pastoral residence.
A noteworthy occurrence in this church's history
was the ordination to the priesthood of Rev. A. J.
O'Brien, nephew of Rev. Father Russell, by the Right
Rev, J. F. Shanahan, on the morning of the 21st of
November, 1874. So solemn a ceremony as the con-
ferring of the sacrament of Holy Orders naturally
drew to the church almost the entire Catholic popu-
lation of Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville. On
May 30, 1878, the corner-stone of the convent build-
ing was laid by the Right Rev. Bishop of Harris-
burg, assisted by a large number of clergy of the
diocese, in the presence of an immense concourse of
people. The work upon the building was pushed
vigorously, and in a very short time a substantial,
magnificent, and commodious structure stood com-
plete in every detail.
As an educational institution for young ladies it is
meeting with merited popularity and success. The
6ame Right Rev. prelate consecrated the convent and
the convent chapel on the 8th day of the follow-
ing December. The convent was built according to
the plans and specifications of E. F. Durang, the re-
nowned Philadelphia architect, and under the im-
mediate supervision of the Rev. J. J. Russell. The
building, including the Mansard roof, is' fbur stories
high, surmounted by a cupola, from which a com-
manding view is had of the picturesque scenery along
J the Susquehanna River, and of the undulating coun-
try on either side, and it has eight bow-windows of
semicircular form in front.
' On the same day after the consecration of the con-
vent the Right Rev. Bishop blessed St. Peter's new
cemetery, which is situated in West Hempfield town-
ship, on the farm purchased by the Rev. Pastor for
the people of the parish, with the express purpose,
principally,' of. securing for them a suitable spot
wherein the sacred remains of their departed friends
might decently lie until the day of final resurrection.
In the convent are a high school and an academy,
under the control of the Sisters of Charity of Mount St.
yincent's, on the Hudson, N. Y. The former is de-
signed for the more advanced children of the parish,
the hitter as a boarding-school solely for young ladies
who are not of the congregation or who live without
its boundaries. Besides the societies already men-
tioned there are in connection with the church three
sodalities, whose end is solely a religious one. Writ-
ing on the subject of societies it will not be out of
place here to speak of the "St. Peter's Building and
Loan Association," instituted in June, 1876, which
holds its meetings in a school-room in the convent.
The present officers are: President, C. F. Young;
Vice-President, J. C. Atwood ; Treasurer, Rev. J. J.
Russell; Secretary, John B. Wisler; Directors, James
Mack, Daniel McCarty, William Foley, Martin Ford,
Cormick McCall, Bryan Cavauaugh, Bart Foley, P.
Moriarity, John McCall, F. McCarty, L. Heudrick,
James Gegan.
This association has thus far prospered, as the value
of the shares (one hundred and forty-seven dollars)
at the end of its seventh year shows. The Columbia
Workingmen's Saving Fund and Building Associa-
tion, when in existence, held its meetings in the base-
ment of the church, and was, in a sense, a parochial
society, since so many parishioners have obtained
homes through it. At the end of nine years it termi-
nated a successful career, the value of two hundred
dollars per share having been attained.
St. Peter's Sunday-school of Columbia has an aver-
age attendance of one hundred and thirty children.
The superintendent of this Sunday-school was for a
number of years Mr. Francis Ziegler. Since October,
1872, the Sisters of Charity have the conduct of it.
The number of pupils who attend Sunday-school in
Wrightsville is about twenty, and at present Mr.
Charles Dougherty superintends it, and of late years
the day school has been under the charge of lay
teachers.
Holy Trinity (German Roman Catholic) Church.
— This church edifice is of brick, located on Cherry,
between Fourth and Fifth Streets, and was built in
1800, under the supervision of Rev. Father Schafirot,
then pastor in charge of this parish. For the first
two years services were held in the basement of the
building, as the edifice was nut completed and dedi-
cated until 18U2.
In 18(33, Mr. Schaflfrot was succeeded in the pastor-
ate by Rev. Father AVilliam Pieper, the present pas-
tor. During Mr. Pieper's pastorate the church edifice
was enlarged (1873) to nearly double its original seat-
ing capacity, marble altars placed in the chancel,
memorial windows inserted in place of the old ones,
statuary and paintings placed in proper position, add-
ing grandeur to the beautifully-frescoed walls and
ceiling, making it one of the pleasantest and most
attractive audience-rooms in Columbia.
560
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
In 1865 the present parsonage was built, and in
18G9 the Sisters' house, in rear of and adjoining the
church, was erected. Tliey have charge of the school,
which was establislied in the basement of the cliurch
in 18(57, and at present numbers two and forty pupils.
Tlie present membership of Holy Trinity Cliurch
is about two hundred and fifty.
Church of God.— The followers of Rev. John
Winebrenner held religious meetings for a few years
at private dwellings. In the latter part of the year
1878 and beginning of 1879, through the personal ex-
ertions of Rev. J. W. Deshong, money enough was
raised by subscription to erect a brick meeting-house
at the corner of Seventh and Walnut Streets. Mr.
Deshong was followed by the Revs. C. W. Win-
bigler, J. H. Esterline, and S. C. D. Jackson, the
present pastor. The present membership numbers
thirty. The church was not regularly organized
until March 30, 1879. There is also a Sunday-school
attached to the church, numbering ten teachers and
ninety-five scholars.
St. Jolin's Lutheran Church, — On Sunday, March
27, 1881, a number of the members of the Lutheran
Church on Second Street severed their connection
with that organization. On the 8th day of April,
1881, these members met at St. Paul's Lutheran
Church, on Locust Street above Fifth, for the pur-
pose of organizing a new church, which was done,
under the title which heads this sketch ; but no im-
mediate measures were taken to erect a church build-
ing or securing the services of a pastor. Their first
object was to take care of the children and build up
a Sabbath-school. Schuler's Hall, opposite the opera-
house, on Locust Street, was secured for that purpose.
They were supplied from April to September by the
Revs. Samuel Yingling, Hering, Anstadt, Barnitz,
Frazier, Fritz, Miller, Stine, Brown, and Feusler,
Lutheran ministers, who came to Schuler's and Ar-
mory Halls and preached for them. They were much
pleased with Samuel Yingling, and in September,
1881, they gave him a regular call, when he became
their pastor. From this period new life was given to
this weak congregation, and they took measures to
procure a lot of ground whereon they desired to erect
their church. A lot was purchased on the south-
east side of Locust Street above Sixth. The ladies
of the congregation worked unceasingly, and con-
tinued to provide means to meet the daily expenses
■while the new church building was being erected.
They were assisted very much by their pastor and
the male members of the congregation. The build-
ing, which is in its internal arrangement the most
complete of all the Protestant churches in the place,
cost ten thousand dollars, one-half of which sum was
raised by the " workers" in the con-gregation before
its completion. The building was completed on the
1st day of October, 1882. • This congregation up to
June, 1882, held" no synodical relations wiih either
branch of the Lutheran Church government. In
that month they were received into the Synod of
Pennsylvania at its meeting in Philadelphia.
The Sabbath-school received the first anxious care
of tjiose who separated from the Lutheran Churcli oa
Seconil Street. The school was first held at the private
residence of Charles P. Schreiner, on Locust Street,
where there was an attendance of seventy children.
On the following Sabbath, which was on April 11,
1881, the school convened in Schuler's Hall, where
one hundred and forty-seven children were in attend-
ance. From that place they removed to Armory
Hall, on Walnut Street, above Second Street, where
the number increased to one hundred and seventy--
four. The officers of the school were Henry Leaman,
assistant superintendent; C. C. Hogentogler, secre-
tary; W. H. Herr, treasurer; Mrs. C. P. Shreiner
and Miss Hallie Clepper, assistants in the infant
school; and Mrs. Benjamin Herr, treasurer; George
Tille, librarian ; Isaac T. Gitt, assistant; and Messrs.
Harry Bennett, John Williams, Jacob Lutz, and
Tyson Simpson, directors.
Colored Churches.— In the year 1822, John Sta-
man gave a lot of ground at the corner of Cmicord
and Fifth Streets to the Rev. Joseph Henderson,
who conveyed the same to Joseph Henderson, Wal-
ter Green, John Winston, and Nicholas Pleasants,
trustees of the Colored Baptist Church. These trus-
tees and a large niaj(jrity of the congregation were
manumitted slaves from Virginia, who came to ihe
place in 1817-19.
In 1823 a little frame church was built, and in the
same year with the assistance of John McKissick and
William P. Beatty a Sunday-school was started. This
church was largely attended for many years, and on
special occasions many white persons attended also.
As the pioneer members began to die, the church
gradually declined until there werenot enough left to
hold service. The last of these manumitted slaves,'
Benjamin Randolph, died two years ago, when the
old church building was torn down and another small
church building across the street, which belonged to
Zion's colored congregation, was removed to it.
Contemporaneous with the erection of this church,
and by manumitted slaves also, was built a small
frame church in the alley between Union and Perry
Streets and Third and Second Streets, called the
Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The congregation worshiped there until the Rev.
Stephen Smith purchased the frame church from the
Methodist Episcopal Church, in the alley between
Cherry and Union and Fourth and Fifth Streets,
about the year 1832. The building was destroyed
by fire, and another one of brick was built. Twenty
years ago they sold the church, and built another one
on Fifth Street, below Union Street, which they sold
to the public school board for a colored school. A
few years ago they erected a new, much larger, and
more substantial brick church on the same street, a
little west of the old one.
BOROUGH OP COLUMBIA.
561
' Another church, called the Union Church, was
•erected on the south side of Union Street, between
Fourth and Filth Streets, about tlie same time the
first two were built. Preaching is only occasionally
held in the building.
The religious feeling among the present generation
of colored people in Columbia may be said to be on
the decline.
Educational. — Prior to the Revolutionary period
there were no school-houses or regular schools kept
at Wright's Ferry.
■ Occasionally an Irish peripatetic school-teacher
■tame to the neighborhood, and taught school during
the winter months, and boarded around with the
parents of the children. The Wrights, Barbers, and
Bethels were intermarried with each other, and were
the only English-speaking families who resided per-
manently at the ferry.
Those of them who desired a better and more thor-
ough education for their children than could be ob-
tained at home, sent them to Lancaster or Philadel-
phia, and to the select schools conducted by Friends
"in Chester County and Cecil County, Md. The pro-
neer settlers were well educated before they came to
the river, and it is probable that many of the children
were taught the rudiments of an education at home.
That remarkable woman, Susanna Wright, took care
of the children of her brother James and Samuel
Bethel. She not only taught them to read and write
and the rudiments of arithmetic, but how to paint
and use the needle also. She was implicitly obeyed
in everything. She was abundantly able to teach
them the higher branches, and to her her brother
James was indebted for much he knew, and his success
in life.
• The first attempt to establish a school where the
higher branches were taught was in the summer of
1800, when Robert Patton opened a boarding-school
for boys only. The school was held in the little brick
meeting-house belonging to Friends, situated on the
south side of Cherry Street, a short distance above
Third Street. In addition to the common branches,
that of surveying was also added. The price of board-
ing was twenty, and tuition five dollars per quarter.
The scholars were boarded at private houses. The
school was not self-sustaining, and Mr. Patton gave
up teaching, and entered into mercantile pursuits, for
which he was well fitted.
Edward Postlelhwait Page, an Englishman, who
had been an officer under Nelson at the battle of
Trafalgar, in 1805, followed Patton. He was a very
eccentric person, but occasionally displayed great
talent. He had the gift of oratory, and when he at-
fptidcd a town-meeting or the lyceum he often aston-
iblicd his audience by bursts of eloquence surpassed
by no trained speaker in the country. He had an
English soldier with him, who was dressed up in
taiilitary uniform and acted as usher.
Page also taught the first Sunday-school in Co-
lumbia, in the Quaker meeting-house. The late Sam- •
uel Nelson Houston was the last of his scholars. He
removed to Marietta, Ohio, where he died many
years sgo. He was followed by Welden Brinton, who
taught in the same place. He was succeeded by Dr.
Edwin A.'Atlee, who also taught in the same place.
He had a Revolutionary soldier, who wore a " cocked
hat," for usher. He was a great musician, and rose
to distinction in the medical profession. He owned
and lived in the brick building occupied by Dr.
Eodgers, on Locust Street. Samuel N. Houston,
who was also one of his pupils, lived and died in the
adjoining house.
A number of prominent citizens, whose names are
appended to the following, made the first organized
effort to establish a better school in Columbia :
" Whereaa, a NumbPi- of the inhabitants of this Place (Columbia) are
BolicitonB fur the education of their Children and those under their care,
which, uudcr the present Regulation of Schools, they cannot liave
done satisfactorily to themselves, they therefore propose to erect a
School-house and establish a School therein for the purpose above men-
tioned under their own immediate direttion, and submit the following
Plan for that Purpose, \ iz. ;
"1. That William Wright, Saml. Bethel, and .\mos H^irmer be Com-
misBioners, who shall open a Subscription for Fifty Shares of Stock and
enter therein as follows : We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do
promise to pay to the President and Trustees of the Columbia School
the sum of Ten Dolhiis for eveiy share of Slouk in said School set op-
posite to our names respectively, in such manner and proportions, aud
at such times as may be determined on by said President and Trustees.
"2. No Person shall subscribe for more than two Shares, provided a
sufficient Number offer at that nite.
"3. Each Subscriber shall be enti
Share subaci ibed, and Subacriberfl shu
Bcribers in fllling up Vacancies
"4- Each Subscriber shall pay Fiv
each Share at the time of subscribing
pay the same into the hands of the Treasurer as soon as he shall be ap-
"5. Wheu two-thirds of the shares are subscrihed for
shall meet unJ choose by Dallot thirteen of their Nunil
styled Trustees, which Trustees shall again elect out of
President, Treasurer, and Secretary, to act as such for oi
" 6. The Treasurer shall give bond with security, if i
performance of the dutira intrusted to him.
"7. Wheu all the shitres are paid in full, the Trustees by their Presi-
dent shall issue a Certiticate to each Stockholder for the number of
She ;s by him held, healing an Interest of six per cent, per Annum,
Iransferrable in the Presence of the Treasurei'.
"8. At all Elections eaeh Stockholder, for one share shall have one
Vote ; for two or more shares, two Votes.
" 9. Every vacancy in the Doard of Trustees by Death, Resignation, or
otherwise, shall be foitliwith supplied by an election held for that pur-
pose.
" 10. The Trustees shall have power to purchase or receive, by Dona-
Uon or otherwise, a suitable Lot on which to erect a School-house and
to receive a Deed for the same in Truat for the Stockholders genenilly,
and to contract with Workmen, purchase llatoriiila, ic, and to have
the sole management of the same, and whenever tliey shall see cause,
lay a statement of the Expenditures before a Meeting of the Stock-
holders to be convened for that purpose. And provided the E.\pen86 of
erecting and preparing the said School-house shall exceed Uie amount
of the Original Subscription, then, Mid in that case, the said Trustees
shall open anew Subscription foriw timny mote i>liRreB as shall be neces-
sary to make up the deficiency, which new bIiuitb sh:ill he at the Eate
.ired, for the
itees shall have the sole din
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
1 Tru>i
rtheCoIu
re of Block in said Bchool set
1 by Baid Presidt^ut and Truste
Stock. Na
times ad may be
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Columbia School.— On the 25th day of March,
1807, Saimiel Wright conveyed to Samuel Bethel,
Esq., Maj. Thomas Boude, Dr. Edwin A. Atlee, Rob-
ert Patton, James Wright, William F. Beatty, Esq.,
Jonathan Mifflin, John Evan.s, William Wright, Na-
thaniel Barber, Christian Breneman, and James
Graham, for one silver dollar, Lot No. 104, and
measuring fifty feet on Third Street, and extending
sixty feet along a public alley between Locust and
Cherry Streets, for the purpose of erecting a school-
house upon it.
The stockholders increased, and the nurnber of
shares from fifty to sixty, and the value from ten to
fourteen dollars per share. In the year 1807 they
erected a one-story brick building, measuring twenty-
eight feet in front, and extending along a public
alley thirty-five feet.
The original stockholders are named above.. They
organized by the election of a president, secretary,
treasurer, and twelve trustees.
The first teacher was E. P. Page. He was followed
by Dr. Edwin A. Atlee, William Kirkwood, Thomas
Trump, Elisha Hallovvay, Jesse Haines ; in 1819 by
Moses P. Cheney, who taught again in 1826. He
had been a teacher in the Westtown school in Ches-
ter County. He was followed by Thomas Sharpe in
the fall of 1823. During his term a belfry was
erected on the top of the school-house and a bell
placed in it. He resigned in 1826, and, as before
stated, Mr. Cheney took charge of the school April
1, 1826 ; he was assisted by Benjamin Gilberf. He
resigned in 1828. On the 29th day of March, 1828,
Frederick Hinkson took charge of the school, and re-
signed during the following summer. He was suc-
ceeded by William Van Wyke on July 27, 1828, who
resigned in September, and was succeeded by G.
Gillett.
Charles Farnani came in 1832. An incident oc-
curred to him which he had good reason to remember
while he remained in Columbia. He was very hasty
and passionate. Cyrus Strickler was one of his
pupils, whom he chastised "very severely for an of-
fense he did not coininit, and he left the school and
declined to return again. He returned to the school-
not ofler a sufhcient inducement to command thi I
t educational talent. 1
?he stockholders on the 28th day of August, IS^.O, {
de an effort to reorganize the school and enUige £
building. On the 4th day of September, 1830, i J»
nmittee reported in favor of the erection of abuiM- »
room, accompanied by his father, Jacob Strickler, to
procure his books. Farnam at once commenced to
lecture and upbraid Mr. Strickler for his want nf
discipWne and watchfulness over his son's welfm
Mr. Strickler, who was also of hasty temperanitiit
commencecl to belabor the teacher with a raw-hide
There was no school for some days afterwards. Far-
nam removed to the basement of the Methodist Epis
copal Church in 1833, where he also taught a night-
school. This school at various periods seemed to
prosper, and bid fair to establish a plant for one of
much higher grade. The trustees or managers were
not fortunate in procuring the right kind of a teacht r
The changes were too frequent, and the man igt rs
did not offer a sufficient inducement to comman
best educational talent.
The
made
the
committee repo
ing large enough to accommodate' two hundred u 1
fifty scholars, ou Cherry Street, a period when il
sohool was struggling for an existence. It seems lu
have breathed its last breath in 1831.
The Lancasterian system was then under successful
headway in the town hall. In a few years the free
school law came into force, which also operated against
the success of this school. The effort to erect a large
school building on Cherry Street was a failure.
There seems to be a hiatus in the records of this
school from January, 1831, to May 11, 1838, when the
stockholders met to reorganize the school. They in-
creased the number of shares to one hundred at four-
teen dollars per share, for the purpose of raising
money to put another story upon the building and
extending it several feet in the rear. The following-
named persons subscribed for the additional shares:
Samuel W. Mifflin, Henry Breneman, Dr. J. S.
Clarkson, Joseph Black, Davis Gohenn, Abraham
Bruner, Samuel Grove, Joseph Cottrell, Thomas H.
Pearce, Dr. George Moore, William Mathiot, Owen
B. Goodman, Moses Whitson, James Barber, Jacob
F. Markley, Albert G. Bradford, James Caldwell,
James Cresson, Israel Cooper, Robert K. Colvin,
Alexander Rowan, William Wright, John L. Wright,
Jonathan Pusey, Robert B. Wright, Joseph W. Cot-
trell, Christian Haldeman, Peter Haldeman, Reuben
MuUison, Jonas Rumple, John Cooper, Joseph Jen-
kins, Henry Montgomery, Samuel S. Haldeman. AVil-
liain S. Shultz, Michael Strein.
A contract was made with Israel Cooper, who put
another story upon and extended the building several
feet in the rear, where a staircase was built, from
which"access was had to the hall on the second fltior,
which was rented to the Lyceum Association for five
years.
On the 9th day of March, 1839, Noble Heath, an
Englishman, who had been teaching a select school
at West Chester, was engaged to teach at a salary of
BOROUGH OP COLUMBIA.
563
eight hundred dollars per anmini. Owing to some
serious indiscretion on his part he was requested to
resign, and the board engaged R. S. Roberts to take
cliarge of the school in the fall of 1839. In the same
year the title was changed to Columbia Academy.
On March 20, 1841, Cyrus Frost, of Philadelphia,
took charge of the school, but in the fall of the same
year the trustees employed Mr. Johnson to take his
place. In the winter of 1842 he resigned, and Thomas
II. Pearce was engaged to teach three months. He
was followed by Mr. Rowland, who taught one term.
In July, 1842, B. F. Wright, a graduate of Dickinson
College, was engaged. In the spring of 1843 he was
succeeded by Thomas W. Sommers, who was followed
by L. J. Roads in 1845, who remained iu charge of
the school until 1851, when the property was sold to
the borough, with the view of making room to extend
the market-house. Some of these teachers were ad-
dicted to the use of ardent spirits, and at certain
periods drank to excess. The frequent changes made
iu teachers indicate that the school was not entirely
successful. There were a number of private schools
in the borough, which interfered with its prosperity.
Private Schools.— John Quest taught in Walnut
Street in the years 1807-9; Amos Harmer in 1809,
and Sarah Currie (mother of Martin Currie), on Wal-
nut Street, in 1812. Rev. Stephen Boyer, the pastor of
the Presbyterian Church, opened a select school and
prepared young men to enter upon a collegiate course
in 1812-20.
Joseph MifUin, born in Philadelphia, removed from
there to Little Britain township, in this county. On
the 8th day of May, 180G, he married Martha Hous-
ton, daughter of Dr. John and Susanna Houston, of
Columbia, and removed to Columbia, where he taught
school in 1813-14 in a frame building which stood in
the rear of the market-house. He aftervvards entered
the Columbia Bank and Bridge Company as teller,
and was thus engaged several years, ending about the
year 1820.
A Mr. Barber taught on Walnut Street in 1800.
Lydia Hutton, a Quaker, taught a school for poor
children at the corner of Cherry Street and Lancaster
Avenue. She was paid by a few of the wealthy citi-
zens, 1825.
. Mrs. Claiborne, daughter of Gen. Ross, and the
widow of Gen. Ricliard Claiborne, who had ibeen
Governor of Louisiana, came from New Orleans to
Columbia in 1818, where she opened a school in the
house lately owned by the Miss Houstons, on Locust
Street; she afterwards taught on Walnut and Front
Streets. She taught children between the age of
eight and twelve years, and was thus engaged about
twcnty-fivfe years.
Richard il. Murphy, John Resch, John P. Wade,
William Kenneday, ■ Bond, Dunlap also
" taught between the years 182^ and 1832.
David J. Snow taught singing-school in 1826 and
1827.
Henry Connelly taught a classical school on Front
Street.
Thomas Lloyd taught school for eighteen years.
He was a justice of the peace for many years, and
was also a surveyor and scrivener, secretary for many
years of tli^ " Water Company," and held that posi-
tion for a number of other societies and corporations.
He ceased to teach school in 1831, and was succeeded
by Ezra Ffirth on July 11, 1831, who came from Phil-
adelphia, where he had been teaching for twenty
years. In December, 1831, he added a night- to his
day-school. His wife also taught young children,
and gave young ladies lessons in fine needle- and
lace- work. They taught on Third Street, near the
old Columbia brick school-house, and also in the lat-
ter place. Mrs. Fnrth is now living in Brooklyn,
N. Y.
The Columbia Select School for Young Ladies was
established in 1833 by Miss E. Ely. She had a num-
ber of scholars from a distance, who boarded with
private families, and paid from one dollar and a half
to two dollars per week for boarding.
This school was on Second between Walnut and
Locust Streets. The school was well patronized and
in a prosperous condition for two or three years, when
it declined rapidly, and ceased to exist in the fol-
lowing year. The terms of tuition for the English
branches were live dollars per quarter; the French
language, ten dollars per quarter.
In June, 1832, Rev. William F. Houston opened an
infant school. It lived but a few years, notwithstand-
ing the etibrts of this public-spirited gentleman to sup-
ply what he believed to be a want greatly needed in
the borough.
Deborah Foreman conducted a private school for
young childr-en for thirty years. She died in 1882.
Francis X. Zeigler commenced to teach a private
school about forty years ago, and at intervals since
has taught both private and public schools. For
more than twenty- years he has devoted his entire
time to the telegraph and Adams Express, in con-
nection with fire insurance business.
Commencing in 1825, Amos Gilbert taught school
a few years on Second Street near Walnut. He was
a Quaker, and was a descendant of the Gilbert family
who were taken prisoners by the Indians a hundred
years ago. His son Howard is a professional teacher,
and is well known in this county and the eastern sec-
tion of the State as one of the best and most success-
ful teachers and accomplished scholars in the State.
He has traveled a great deal upon the continent of
Europe, and has acquired the language of many
nations.
In 1829, Michael Strine began teaching, and con-
tinued a few years on Walnut Street and on Locust
Street. He was born in Lancaster, and came from a
family which furnished a number of teachers and
ministers in the Lutheran Church. His son, Jacob
S. Strein, was the late sheriff.
564
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
John Christy taught in the blue-front house on
Locust Street above the old town hall in 1828-31.
James Stevenson taught school on Walnut Street,
1828-30. Miss Laird, Miss Hamilton, and Miss
Houston were also teachers at a later period, and
John D. Wright taught about twenty-five years ago.
Lancasterian School. — Joseph Lancaster, a mem-
ber of the Society of Friends in England, was the
founder of the monitorial system, by which the most
intelligent pupils in a school were required to teach
their fellows what they had learned in advance of
them. Mr. Lancaster died in 1839. This system
came into general use in England and this country.
In 1822 the Legislature of Pennsylvania enacted a
law encouraging these schools. Lancaster City and
the boroughs of this county were designated as the
" Second School District of the State." Twelve di-
rectors or controllers, to be elected by the people,
ware to manage the schools in each of the boroughs.
J. L. Rovvand commenced to teach school in his
native place, in the winter season, in New Jersey in
1820. He went from there to the city of Camden,
N. J., and took charge of the academy in that place
and remained there until 1827, when failing health
compelled him to relinquish for a time the business
of teaching. During the summer of 1827 he went
to Philadelphia and took instructions in the model
school on the "Lancasterian" mode of ed&cation.
In the autumn of 1828 he came to Columbia and
opened a school on the Lancasterian plan in the
then new town hall, which had just been completed.
Among the trustees were William Wright, president,
Evan Green, James Given, and William Dick, secre-
tary.
The school was opened in the second story, with
one hundred and five scholars on the first day. This
number increased, and the room was found to be en-
tirely too small to accommodate that number. The
charge for each scholar was two dollars per quarter,
which covered all expenses.
• This school was conducted on that plan for about
two years, when the trustees changed its character to
a select and limited in number school, which was
always full. In tlie spring of 1832, Mr. Rowand was
compelled to give up his school on account of failing
health. In June, 1832, he sold liis school to^, George
W. Layng, a native of New England. In addidion to
the ordinary English branches he taught the Greek
and Latin languages. His terms of tuition were:
Spelling, reading, and writing, three dollars for
twelve weeks ; arithmetic and geography, four dollars
for twelve weeks; English grammar, history, use of
the globes, natural philosophy, etc., five dollars for
twelve weeks.
Extra charges were made for pens, ink, and pencils,
and for fuel. His sister. Miss Maria Layng, gave in-
structions in plain and ornamental needle-work to
young ladies. Mr. -Layng was a classical scholar, as
well as an accomplished gentleman. His school was
well patronized. Mr. Layng removed to Pittsburgh,
where he studied law, and became a successful at-
torney. He died some years ago. He was followed
by IJenry Montgomery in 1836, a native of New York
State, who taught school near the " Gap," in this
county, from which place he came to Columbia.
Like his predecessors, he used the rod freely, which
on several occasions stirred up the ire of tlie " bad
boys' " parents, who came to the school-room to return
the compliment on the teacher, which was not always
a success. Mr. Montgomery found tliat the profession
of teaching was not the one best adapted to the de-
velopment of his abilities. He was in political faith
an Anti-Mason, and entered into the personal warfare
carried on in the newspapers between the parties with
a good deal of vim. He established the Pennsylvania
Courant in Columbia in 1837, and while he was con-
nected with this paper, which was about two years,
he was in "hot water" all the time, and was never
satisfied unless he could find some political opponent
to pound. As a political writer in a heated campaign
he had few equals. He remained in the newspaper
business for many years in Harrisburg, Lancaster,
and Detroit, Mich. He married Ann, daughter of
Robert Spear, Esq., late of this place.
He was followed by Michael R. Keegan in 1837,
who taught school in the town hall and at the cor-
ner of Front and Union Streets for ten years. He
removed to the State of Ohio.
Washington Institute was created and brought
into existence by the trustees of the Public Ground
Company, whose funds were a trust designed by the
founder of Columbia for the sole benefit of the citi-
zens of the town he laid out, which is known as " Old
Columbia."
Before the free-school system was adopted in the
State, the citizens of Old Columbia frequently met
and endeavored to convert the income of this trust to
establish free schools in the town. There was no one
who could devise a plan calculated to make the
scheme a success, and hence every attemjit in that
direction was a failure.
There was jealousy and envy among the citizens
of Old and New Columbia over the disposition of this
trust fund, and different projects were proposed,
which led to a confusion of counsel, and the conse-
quence was that nothing was done.
In the spring of 1854 the board of trustees of the
public ground concluded to purchase a tract of land
on the north side of Lancaster Avenue, between
Locust and Cherry Streets, from John L. Wright,
upon which they designed to erect a school building.
In the year 1856 a contract was made with Micliacl
Clepper for its erection for S8640, and it was finished
the same year.
June 30, 1857, a school board composed of five
members were elected, to wit; Samuel Truscott,
Philip Shreiner, Jonas Rumple, Joshua Vaughen,
and Henry Minnich, of the board of trustees of the
I
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
565
public ground, and Joseph W. Fisher, Hugh M.
Nortli, Saiiuiel Shoch, and Dr. Benjamin Rolirer by
the citizens of Old Columbia, who were to serve for
one year.
In November, 1S57, Professor Joseph D. Nichols
was chosen principal, and in the following winter '
Morris D. Wickersham and Grace Clarkson were j
chosen assistants. In 1859 he was assisted by Mr.
Gamwell and Miss Herntz. The school was not self- j
sustaining, and on the 1st day of March, 1859, the
company gave the buildings to Mr. Nichols free of I
rent. During the summer and fill! of that year the
school was reported to be in a flourishing condition,
but it soon declined again.
On the 1st day of July, 1860, the Institute was '
rented to Rev. A. Essick for a period of one year.
He was assisted by Mr. Patten for a few months.
The following two or three years were periods of
depression, and the board of trustees made an effort
to sell or rent the buildings to the school board of
the borough.
In February, 1803, Professor Howard Gilbert and
Professor Vicroy and Miss Johnson taught in sepa-
rate rooms. In April, 1863, a free school was taught
for three months by Professors Peck, Richards, John-
son, and Ilaldeman.
In the month of September, 18C3, the Institute ;
building was taken by the United States govern- \
ment for a hospital, and so occupied for two months, j
In October, 1863, it was rented to Professor H. S. j
Alexander, and a portion of the building was con- !
verted into a dwelling. In January, 1864, Mr. Alex- |
ander leased the buildings for a period of eight years.
In April, 1866, Mr. Alexander sold his lease to
President Sacket, who found the school in a prosper-
ous condition, but let it run down, when Mr. Alexan-
der took charge of the school again in 1868. In
March, 1868, the trustees purchased from J. H. Mif-
flin, for eighteen hundred dollars, a tract of land ad-
joining the Institute grounds which extends to Locust
and Sixth Streets. In the same year the buildings
were enlarged. Under the management of Professor
Alexander the school was in a flourishing condition
and profitable. His health and that of Mrs. Alexan-
der was such that they had to abandon the profession
they had adorned with so much grace and ability, and
in JIarch, 1871, they retired from the Institute and
were succeeded by the Rev. Ewing. In January, 1873,
Mr. Alexander again took charge of the school, but
he was not able to make it self-supporting.
In February, 1876, the school board of the borough
leased the Washington Institute buildings and the
grounds purchased Irom John L. Wright for a period
of twenty years, at an annual rental of four hundred
dollars. It is now called the Columbia High School,
and under the superb management of Professor I!. G.
Ames, superintendent of the" public schools of Co-
lumbia, and Misses Lillian and Mary Welsh and Mr.'
Hoffman, his able assistants, who have charge of the
schools, it is second to none in the State in school
government and the thoroughness with which they
instruct in the several branches of study in accord-
danc* with the curriculum.
A day-^and boarding-school for boys, English and
classical, was established in the second story of the
town hall, on April 18, 1853, by Professor Alfred
Armstrong, principal. The school was removed to
the building in the rear of the Presbyterian Church
on Fourth Street. A number of scholars received a
classical courseof studies, and were prepared to enter
upon a collegiate course of studies. The school was
scarcely self-su>taining, and Mr. Armstrong re-
moved to Harrisburg, where he again established an
academy.
Up to the year 183-t there was no uniform system
of education in the State for the common people.
Every township and town had its private schools,
conducted frequently by incompetent teachers in
their own wa}'. They were peripatetic in their move-
ments, and seldom remained longer in one place than
three winter months. In the country they boarded
around among the farmers, and sometimes behaved
.very dishonorably.
Long and persistent efforts in behalf of the com-
mon school system in New England by Horace Mann
crowned his efforts with success about the year 1830.
Friends of the educational cause in Pennsylvania
took up the subject, and began to agitate and mould
a public sentiment in favor of the common school
system. The subject was brought before the Legis-
lature and discussed there. Governor Wolf rendered
valuable aid. Among the ablest and most persistent
champions in the Legislature of these measures was
Thaddeus Stevens, then of Adams County. His elo-
quence and matchless argument brought a majority
of the Assembly to his .side, and the common school
law was passed in 1834. There was a provision in
the law requiring-the districts to accept the same be-
fore it was brought into practical operation.
When the Legislature adjourned and the full scope
of the law became known to the people, there was
great opposition to its enforcement.
On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 1834, a meeting of the citi-
zens was held in the town hall to ascertain the senti-
ments of the people on the subject of adopting the
school law. Dr. Joseph Clarkson was chairman and
J. Houston IMifliin secretary. Thomas E. Cochran
addressed the meeting in favor of the school law.
Dr. R. E. Cochran, John Barber, Esq., and J. Houston
Mifflin were selected or nominated by the meeting
tor school directors, and Samuel Boyd, Christian
Hershey, and John Musselman were selected for
school directors from West Hempfuid township.
When the Legislature met in 1835, a majority of its
members were in favor of repealing the law of 1834.
Thomas H. Burroughs, who was then Secretary of
State under Joseph Ritner's administration, was a
warm friend of the law, and worked very hard to save
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
it. Opposition grew rapidly,' and everything seemed
to be lost. Upon making a private canvass among
tlie members, it was found that a large majority were
in favor of repealing the law. When the question
came up upon second reading, Mr. Stevens arose, and
under the inspiration of the moment made one of the
grandest and most successful efforts ever undertaken
in a deliberative body of people to change a large
majority to the minority side. He had barely taken
his seat when there was a call from every member to
vote upon the question. The law was sustained, and
it has never been disturbed since, except to improve
it. A copy of this speech should be printed and hung
upon the walls of every school-room in the State.
There was considerable opposition to the seventh
section of the school law, which required a tax to be
levied in the borough of Columbia and East and West
Hempfield townships.
On the 16th day of May, 1835, a public meeting of
the citizens of Columbia and the township named
was held at the public-house of Joshua Kehlers, one
mile and a half east from Columbia, along the Colum-
bia and Lancaster turnpike, of which Samuel Boyd
was president; J. Houston Mifflin, secretary.
West Hempfield, which included Columbia, was
among the first townshiiis in the county to accept the
law.
The Public Schools. — After the system of common
schools came into general use. the improvement made
was gradual. The schools were better attended, more
care was taken by the directors in the selection of
competent teachers ; but little real progress was made,
however, until the Normal School at MiUersville was
fairly under'way and a class of teachers trained and
equipped to enter a profession they adorned.
Another step in advance was taken when graded
schools were introduced. In 1857 a committee was
appointed by the school board, with J. G. Hess as its
chairman, to grade the public schools of Columbia.
This was something new, and but little progress was
made, promotions were gradual and few. There were
six separate school buildings in the place, some of
■which were substantial brick structures. The citizens
wisely selected some of their best educated and most
prominent citizens for school directors. Their edu-
cation and training enabled them to select cdn^petent
teachers from merit alone, and to them much credit
is due for the advances made in the cause of educa-
tion in Columbia. Of the number may be mentioned
Samuel Shoch, Hugh M. North, J. W. Fisher, Amos
S. Green, J. Houston Mifflin, and also Joseph M.
Watts, Samuel Grove, Thilip Shreiner, David W.
Griffith, J. G. Hess, Samuel Young, Abraham Bruner,
George Young, Jr., Daniel Waun. The most suc-
cessful teachers were Calvin Stewart (now pastor of
the Presbyterian Church in Colerain township), Wil-
liam Murphy, Morris Wickersham, Frederick S. Pyfer,
Mary Shoch, Grace Clarkson, Georgian Houston, and
Mary Miller.
The board of directors in 1862 decided to erect one
school building large enough to accommodate all
white children of lawful age in the place. Accord-
ingly a building was erected on Cherry Street be-
tween Fourth and Fifth Streets, three stories high,
and containing eighteen commodious school-rooms,
ten of which were furnished and prepared for the
reception of scholars in 1863. The building was con-
structed of brick, and was modeled after the High
School building on Broad Street, Philadelphia, and
when completed was one of the largest and finest
school buildings in the State. At the time of its
erection it was thought that it was sufficiently large
to accommodate all of the white children in the place
for many years to come. When filled it would seat
two thousand scholars. Although it was a great
stride in educational progress, experience has since
demonstrated that it was not altogether a wise move-
ment to collect the scholars in an entire district as
large as Columbia and place them under one roof.
The system has its advantages, but there are many
disadvantages which more than balance the good
ones. The original cost of the building was sixteen
thousand dollars.
The borough superintendency of public schools
was adopted for Columbia April 1, 1875. In May
they agreed to advertise for a superintendent, and
agreed to pay him an annual salary of fourteen hun-
dred dollars. Out of fifty-seven applicants Benjamin
G. Ames, of Bridgeton, N. J., was chosen to fill the
new position. He was an accomplished scholar, and
had rare qualifications to fill a position of this kind;
more than thirty years of his life has been devoted to
the cause of education.
His system of promotions was different from the
old one, and he gradually made a number of other
changes, which experience has proven to have been
wise and salutary. The mos"t accomplished and thor-
ough teachers in the schools are graduates of the
High School.
Miss Lilian Welsh, a daugliter of the late Gen.
Thomas Welsh, is now vice-principal of the High
School, and is one of die most successful and tal-
ented teachers in the State. Her sister Marie is her
assistant, and is well fitted for the position.
Mr. Hoffman has also risen from the lower to the
front rank as a teacher. The entire body of teachers
are excelled by few anywhere, and Columbia may
well feel proud of the position her scliools hold in
relation to others in the State.
Lyceum.— The system of social lyceums became
very popular with the people in the United States
about the year 1830, and it did not decline for ten or
twelve" years. Josiah Holbrook, who was actuary of
the Universal Lyceum, was the principal organizer
of lyceums in the United States. The Columbia
Lyceum was organized Dec. 2, 1835. The exercises
generally opened with a lecture delivered by one of
the members, or a subject selected which was debated
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
by members chosen by the cliairman. This feature
of tlie lyceum was always entertaining. Among the
members who delivered lectures were Henry Mont-
gomery, S. S. Haldeinan, Dr. J. S. Clarkson, Samuel
A. Black, Dr. William S. McCorkle, James J. Given,
Thomas H. Pearce, E. C. Lewis, Dr. R. E. Cochran,
Owen B. Goodman, H. Bingham, Philip Gossler.
Many of these lectures were illustrated with scientific
apparatus. When the lyceum ran out of home ma-
terial for lecturers, they were supplied by young and
promising lawyers from Lancaster. Among the num-
ber we recollect Amos Slaymaker, Esq., Nathaniel
Ellraaker, Esq., George M. Kline, Esq. The meet-
ings of the lyceum were held in the old brick school-
house on Third Street, near the town hall. After
its decline many of its members formed an organiza-
tion called the Senate. Members were divided and
assigned to each of the States. This organization was
copied after the United States Senate. Its most
pleasing and interesting feature was the political dis-
cussions between the members, who were supposed to
represent the same political parties which elected the
United States senators in thefr respective States, and
they generally adhered to the line of argument used
by the members of the United States Senate, whom
they were supposed to represent. These discussions
were animated and often acrimonious. Among the
most active members were J. H. Mifflin", John S.
Given, Joseph W. Fisher, Napoleon B. Wolfe, Sam-
uel Evans, Alexander Caldwell,' James B. Cowden,
John Frederick Houston, Stewart D. Elliot, Hugh
M. North, Philip Gossler, Amos S. Green, J. G. L.
Brown. This organization lasted several years.
Public Libraries.— On the 14th day of January,
1829, a number of prominent citizens subscribed va-
rious sums to be expended in the purchase of books
for the mutual benefit of all those concerned in a
library company to be formed. The company was
organized in the spring of 1829 by the election of
Evan Green, president, and William Dick, secretary ;
Miss Haines, librarian. A large and judicious selec-
tion of books and pamphlets were purchased. Much
interest was at first taken in the enterprise, but debts
were accumulated gradually, and in four years from
its organization the books and property of the " Co-
lumbia, Pennsylvania, Library Company", \yere sold
at auction to pay its debts. Enough was realized also
to pay each shareholder two dollars on each share of
stock, the par value of which was five dollars. The
building opposite the Franklin House was occupied
by the library. Herewith we publish the names of
each shareholder, so far as we are able to ascertain :
Sarah UarLer.
George Haines.
Dn Al.raimm Bitner.
William Ilarrah.
E. G. BradfoiJ.
Joseph Hogentogler.
fUrist. Brenneman.
Joseph Jeffries.
He,„y B,e„neman.
Samuel Johnson.
Levi Bieniieniaii.
Joshua Kehler.
GideoT, B,e„iR-uian.
G. W. Layng.
John Baibar.
Thomas Lloyd.
Jeren.iah Bruwn.
Edward C. Lewis.
Josepli Cyttrell.
George W. C. Lloyd.
John Caniiibell.
James E. Mifflin.
Jnhn Cooper.
Samuel W. Mifflin.
Joseph Cooper.
Moses Montgomery.
Israel Cooper.
John McKissick, Jr.
James Collins.
Jacob Mathiot.
William C. Cornwell.
Samuel Mathiot.
Jacob Clyde.
William Mathiot.
Riclianl E. Cochran.
John McMullen.
William Dick.
Hugh McCorkle.
Eichard Derrick.
Henry Martin.
Peter Epley.
George Mireick.
Domiiiick E^igle.
George Peters.
51 ichael Elder.
William Poist.
Preston B. Elder.
Jacob Purkypile.
Jolm Evans.
Jacob L. Rowand.
John L. Futhey.
Charles Odell.
JohnFony, Jr.
Benjamin Peart
Evan Green.
William Todd.
Amos S. Green.
Robert Spear.
Benjamin Green.
Jalnea Sweeney.
Joseph Green.
Abraham Shirk.
John Guy.
Jacob Strickler.
Peter F. Gonter.
Henry H. Strickler.
J.acob Go^^ler.
Dr. Beaton Smith.
James Given.
Henry Y. Sla.vmaker
Owen B, Goodman.
BobcrtB. Slille.
Jacd. B. Garlier.
Henry F. Slaymaker
Elizabeth A. B. Heiso.
John L. Wright.
Peter Hald.-man.
Charles N. Wright.
Christian Haldem.in.
James Wright.
John Hoover.
Michael Way.
Joha Arms.
William P. Beatty.
George Beatty.
Robert Barber.
Owen Bruner.
John L. Boswell.
Mary Bethel.
Christian Bachman.
Elizabeth W. Boude.
George W. Boude.
1867 or 1803.
The Franklin Library was organized in the spring
of 1834, John L. Boswell, secretary. The stockhold-
ers purchased the books of the Columbia Library,
and added tolhem a large number of new books.
This was, like its predecessor, a circulating library.
It flourished for a few years, and then went down
rapidly. There was no public library in the place
from 1836 to 1862.
In the year 1862, Samuel Shoch, president of the
Columbia National Bank, donated to the public
schools of Columbia five hundred dollars for the pur-
pose of procuring books and establishing a library.
The school board accepted this fund and established
a library, and named it after its donor. This was the
plant of a large and select library. Mr. Shoch has
given liberally of his abundant means since, and the
school board have at various times made large appro-
priations and purchased several thousand volumes of
choice books. They have, and it is their tluty to make,
an annual appropriation for the purchase of books
and meet incidental expenses. The library is now
established on a permanent basis, and will become in
time one of the grandest institutions in the county.
568
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
At present a large room on the first story of the public
school building on Cherry Street has been set apart
for the library. Only one danger confronts the friends
of this enterprise, and that is the possibility oS fire
wiping out of existence in a few hours the accumu-
lated work of many years. It is hoped that there
may be found in the community enough of generous-
minded citizens who will, provide sutficient means to
erect a fire-proof building ujion the public ground at
the corner of Fifth and Locust Streets, or in that !
vicinity, that will protect this library from a calamity
so disastrous.
Samuel Grove, a prominent citizen of the place,
twenty or more years ago commenced to purchase
books with a view of establishing a circulating
library. He made additional purchases from time to
time until he has several hundred volumes in his
library-room on Third Street, between Locust and
Cherry Streets. His books are generally of a religious
cast.
Old Residents' Society.— On the 27th day of No-
vember, 1S74, a number of citizens of Columbia or-
ganized a society of old residents of Columbia, the
object being to cherish the social interests and friendly
relations by holding frequent meetings, under the
name of the "Ancient Citizens of Columbia." Fol-
lowing is a list of the merhbera:
Joseph M. Watts (iireaideut).
George W. Bowjer.
J. Houston Miflliu (.lecretury).
John A. Hook Mead).
S«miu-1 Sliocii (treasurer).
John S. Given.
Siimuel li. lleise.
John K.Elerleiii.
WilliumJlHtl.i..t{deaJ).
Heiuy N. Kehler.
Fruuci3 X Ziegler.
Samuel Evans.
John Frederiik Houston (dead).
Thomas E. Cochran (dead).
Samuel W. Milllin.
Samuel Nelson Houston (dead)
Jamei Barber.
Henry Wisler.
Heury BroTii.eman (dead).
Henry H. Houston.
Martin Niel.
William F. Lockard.
Harford Fralo.v.
George W. HalJeman.
Christian Brenneman (dead).
Jacob L. Gossler.
George Bogle (dead).
Jacob Ely (dead).
James Wright (dead).
Samuel Wright.
Ueury E. Wolfe.
Abn.m Bruner.
To become a member of this society a residence of
fifty years is required. Several have attained an age
of more than fourscore years. As will be seen from
the foregoing list, their numbers are rapidly growing
less.
Banking. — The Philadelphia Branch Bank was
opened on the 22d day of May, 1809. John MfcKis-
sick was the first cashier, and was followed by Dr.
Beaton Smith. This bank did business in the brick
house at the corner of Locust and Front Streets, now
owned by Jacob Snyder. The Philadelphia Bank
had its branch in Columbia for about fifteen years.
The great increase in the population of the State,
and the trirvel incident thereto between sections di-
vided by our great river, the Susquehanna, rendered
it necessary to adopt other means than a ferry to ac-
commodate the traveling public who desired to go to
either side of this strpam ; we find, therefore, that in
the onward progress of the internal improvements of
the State that the construction of bridges, although'
a novel and untried enterprise, found its advocates,
and was undertaken with hopeful confidence of good
results; therefore, "An act authorizing the Governor
of Pennsylvania to incorporate a company for the
]iurpose tif making and erecting a bridge over the
river Susquehanna, in the county of Lancaster, at or
near the town of Columbia," was passed by the Leg-
islature and approved the 28th of March, 1809, the
State being pledged therein to take ¥90,000 of the
stock, '
A charter was accordingly granted by Governor
Snyder on the 19th of October, 1811, and on the 23d
of December following the stockholders organized liy
electing as managers, viz.: William Wright, presi-
cent; Thomas Boude, Samuel Bethel, James Wri-lit,
Samuel Miller, John Evans, Christian Brencniaii,
John Forrey, Jr., Abraham Witmer, Henry Slay-
niaker, William Barber, Jacob Eichelberger, John
Tomlin.son, and William P. Beatty as treasurer, and
John Barber secretary.
On the 8th of July, 1812, articles of agreement
were entered into with Henry Slayniaker and Samuel
Slaymaker, of Lancaster County, and Jonathan Wal-
cott, of Connecticut, for the erection of a bridge for
the sum of §150,000, but which before its completion
cost $233,000. The piers were fifty feet long, and ten
feet wide at top. The spans each one hundred feet in
length.
Stock to the amount of $400,000 was subscribed
for, and after paying for the cost of the bridge the
remaining balance was appropriated to banking pur-
poses, and an ofiice of discount and deposit was
opened on 5th July, 1813, and notes were printed
and issued as bank notes. This proceeding being
declared illegal, a charter was afterwar !s obtained on
the 27th March, 1824, for the establishment of a bank
under the title of" The Columbia Bridge Company,"
Christian Breneinan beingelected presiilent, and John
McKissick, cashier. Since tlieu this title has been
changed to " The Columbia Bank and Bridge Com-
pany," "The Columbia Bank," and lastly, the "Co-
lumbia National Bank," which it still retains, with a
capital of $.500,000, having been increased from time
to time from iLs original charter amount of $150,n(lii,
to $250,000, i;322,.500, and in 18G4 to its present
amount.
Since 1824, Christian lireneman. Christian Halde-
man, John Forrey, Jr., John N. Lane, David Uine-
hart, John Cooper, Col. James Meyers, Dr. Bar-
ton Evans, John Coojier, George Bogle, and lastly,
the present incumbent. Col. Samuel Shoch, have sev-
erally acted as iiresidents, and during their .several
periods of service John McKissick iictetl as CMsliier
until 1832, Picr-ton B. Elder, his .successor, until ls;i9,
and Col. Samuel Shoch until 1878, a period of thirty-
nine years, when he was elected president, in which
capacity he still ofllciates, although in the eighty-
seventh year of his sige.
/'( \r~(--
f
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
5G9
: In 1832 the bridge was carried away by an ice
fresliet, and rebuilt at an expenditure of $157,300
ind the debris nf the old bridge. In June, 1863, the
bridge, as rebuilt, was burned as a military necessity
under an order from Gen. Couch, commandant of the
Susquehanna divi-ion of the Federal army, to pre-
vent the rebels from croj_»ing, as the best protection
for Eastern Pennsylvania. Tlie bank, owning the
bridge, sold the piers and the abutments, with the
franchises as a bridge company, to the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company for $57,000, and has therefore sus-
tained a loss of §100,000, for which a claim has been
preferred against the United States government with
hopes of its being allowed.
The First National Bank was organized in IMay,
1863, with a capital of $100,000. President, Ephraim
Hershey; Cashier, S. S. Detweiler. This bank in-
creased its capital to $200,000, and its surplus amounts
to $40,000. The present officers are Hugh M. North,
Esq., president; S. S. Detweiler, cashier. The bank
building is located at the southeast corner of Locust
and Second Streets. The amount of deposits is very
large, and the bank is in a prosperous condition.
E. K. Smith & Co.'s banking house is located at
the northwest corner of Locust and Second Streets.
lUi capital unlimited. The members of the tirm are
E. K. Smith and Christian E. Graybill.
The Columbia Deposit Bank was organized' in
March, 1870, with E. K. Smith, president, and C. E.
Graybill, cashier. This bank closed in 1880.
. The Dime Savings Bank was organized in 1869.
The treasurers were Samuel Allison and Ephraim
Hershey. The bank suspended business in 1880.
. CoL. Samuel Shoch.— Michael Shoch, the grand-
father of Col. Samuel, was a native of Germany, and
on his emigration to America settled near Philadel-
phia. He had several cliildren, among whom was
John, whose birth occurred at the paternal home near
Philadelphia. He in 1792 removed to Harrisburg,
Dauphin Co., and there remained until his death in
1842. He married Miss Salome Gilbert, of Philadel-
phia, and had children,— Mary , Sarah, Rebecca, Eliza,
Cassandra, Samuel, John, Jacob, and one who died
in childhood. Samuel, whose life is here briefly
•ketclied, was born in Harrisburg, May 28, 1797. His
career covers some of the most eventful periods in pur
national history, and has been so closely identified
with local events that it forms an inseparable ))art of
them. His early education was commenced at pre-
paratory schools before the establishment of the pres-
, fnt school system, and continued at the Nottingham
! Academy, Cecil Co., Md. His further education and
preparation for professional life were the result of
> pergonal application directed only by himself
As early as 1812 he was recorder of patents under
John Cochran, secretary of the land-office, and re-
corder of surveys in (he office -of Andrew Porter,
then surveyor-general. In September, 1S14, he joined
(be Harrisburg Artillerists, a company formed within
twenty-four hours after the British had burned the
capitol at Washington, and was the youngest man in
the four companies that volunteered from Harrisburg
on that occasion. The company marched to York
and thence to Baltimore, and remained on duty there
until the British withdrew and abandoned their con-
templated attack on that city.
In May, 1817, he began the study of law under
Hon. Amos Ellmaker, attorney-general, and was ad-
mitted to the Dauphin County bar in 1820. He was
always aggressive, and as a young lawyer displayed
great energy and fearlessness in prosecuting what he
believed to be wrong.. He took an active part in an
unsuccessful attempt to impeach Judge Franks, of the
Lebanon and Dau]ihin district, for alleged oflenses.
In 1835 he was elected clerk of the House of Rep-
resentatives by a union of the Whig and Anti-Masonic
members, defeating Francis R. Shunk, the Democratic
candidate. In 1837 he was secretary to the conven-
tion which gave us the Constitution under which
Pennsylvania lived from 1838 to 1873, and at the
adjournment of that body was unanimously thanked.
The colonel finds special pleasure in recounting his
services with that body.
In 1839 he cast his fortunes with Columbia, and
went theVe to live, having been elected cashier of the
Columbia Bank and Bridge Company. The company
had a nominal capital of $150,000, but actually not
more than $80,000 to $100,000, as a bridge costing
more than $175,000 had been swept away by an ice
freshet in 1832, and the loss had not been wholly
made up. The capital was afterwards increased, first
to $250,000, and in 1837 to $322,500, with a change
of title to Columbia Bank. In 18G5 the bank ac-
cepted the national bank law and became the Colum-
bia National Bank, with a capital of $500,000, at
which it still remains, with a surplus fund of $150,-
OOO. He has thus maintained official relations with
the corporation as itsj;ashier and president for forty-
four years, during a period the events of which are
matters of local history.
Col. Shoch was, in 1842, married to Mrs. Hannah
Evans, daughter of Amos Slaymaker, of Lancaster
County, who was the leading manager of the line of
stages between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Her
death having occurred in March, 18G0, he contracted
a second alliance in August, 1805, with Miss Anna
E., daughter of Robert Barber, of Columbia, Pa.
In 1848, Col. Shoch was appointed aid to Governor
William Johnson, which by courtesy conferred upon
him the title of colonel, a title by which he is better
known than by his Christian name.
In 1800 the colonel was a member of the State
committee of the Republican party, and a delpfiatc
to the National Convenlion at Chicago which nomi-
nated Abraham Lincidn, the martyr President.
During the war he was foremost in deeds of charity
and patriotism, ami i)rcscNtcd to the first company
formed in Columbia a beantilul and costly silk flag.
til^W
570
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
He always took a warm interest in our public schools,
and through his active exertions and liberal dona-
tions the"Shocli Library," in honor of its patron,
was established.
Col. Shoch also took an active interest in local en-
terprises, and was at one and the same time president
of the Columbia Gas and Water Companies, the Old
Public Ground Company, and the Marietta, Chestnut
Hill and Washington Turnpike-Road Companies.
He was also treasurer of the Reading and Columbia
Railroad Company, but resigned in 1862, before going
abroad on a continental tour. He was for ten years
president of the school board of the borough of
Columbia, during which period a spacious edifice,
version is his violin, an instrument of unusual excel-
lence, which affords hira many happy hours.
With a mind fresh and vigorous, and with a. re-
markable activity of body and buoyancy of step, he
has reasonable expectations of passing many more
years of usefulness.
Newspapers. — Tlie Susquehanna Waterman was
started in the year 1811 by Thomas A. Wilson, a
practical printer, who learned his trade in the bor-
ough of York. He established a printing-office in a
one-story frame building which stood on the north
side of Locust Street below Second Street. In the
following year he purchased a half lot of ground oa
all
the south side of Locust Street, nearly opposite his
devoted to the use of the public schools, was erected, frame shop. Upon this lot he erected a three-story
He served a term as director of the poor of Lancaster brick house, to which he moved his printing-press,
County, two terms as county auditor, was a trustee of etc. He probably used the third story of this build-
the Millersville Normal School, and director of the ing for an office, for he did not plaster the walls.
Wrightsville, York and Gettysburg Railroad. If i The reaction in business and values of all kind after
responsible official positions are a measure of public \ the war of 1812-15 left hira stranded, and his prop-
erty was sold to James Cyde, Esq., in the year 1818,
Mr. Wilson returned to York, thence to one of the
Southern States, where he remained for many years,
Some of his descendants reside in Wrightsville, York
Co.
William Greear published a small newspaper in
Lancaster called the Hire in 1804. He removed his
job-printing press, etc., to Columbia in the year 1812.
In the winter of 181-1-15 he was elected printer of the
confidence, then Col. Shoch was favored abov
his fellow-citizens.
The colonel was always an active worker in the
Sunday-school cause. In the early part of his profes-
sional career he was both a teacher and superin-
tendent of the Sunday-school of the Lutheran Church
iu Harrisburg. Within the last ten years his jfouthful
enthusiasm for the cause has been specially
ened, and his active services as teacher of a Bible class
in the Columbia Fifth Street Presbyterian Sunday-
school, together with the erection, furnishing, and en-
dowment of their beautiful chapel (named "Salome"
in honor of his mother), attests the sincerity of his
motives. In 1854, and for several years thereafter,
he maintained at his own expense a public night-
school, employed teachers, and furnished books, etc.,
for the benefit of apprentices and other young persons
who could not attend school during the day, and was [ ing, and
happily rewarded by finding the school well attended. | months
Many of the pupils since grown up have become
prominent and well-to-do citizens, who gratefully ac-
knowledge the advantages they derived from the
enterprise.
is been uniformly and radically
great admirer of Tliaddcus Ste-
accord with Reiiublicau adminis-
lu politics he h
anti-Democratic, a
vens, and is in full
tration.
The colonel's ha
and even now, whe
been an eventful and busy life,
he has just crossed the threshold
of his eighty-sixth year, not a single duty is neg-
lected, not a responsibility evaded, and not au energy
relaxed.
Having faithfully performed the duties of cashier
of the Columbia National Bank for a period of thirty-
nine years, he was, in December, 1878, elected its
president, and notwithstanding his age, continues his
routine of duties, beginnin<f at eight o'clock iu the
morning and remaining to witness the settlement of
all accounts after the bank closes. His principal di-
" Rolls" by the Legislature, and he removed his
printing-press to Harrisburg. He returned to Co-
lumbia and commenced the publication of a newspa-
per called The Columbian on the 24th day of July,
1819, in a two-story brick building he purchased from
Dr. Eberle. Alter publishing eighteen numbers it
was suspended for want of support. After six or
eight months it was revived. It was not self-sustain- ,'
its publication ceased altogether in a few
I moiuns. He reftioved his printing-press to Washing-
' ton, D. C. He was a Quaker and a person of strict
integrity. The C'u/umbian w^as published in 1840 by
Thomas Taylor, and edited by N. B. Wolfe. The
editor wrote a romance called the "Bandit," which
ran through several numbers of the paper, which
seems to have knocked the life out of the paper. Be-
fore the story was completed the pai)er ceased to
exist.
The Monitor was established by Dr. William F,
Houston on the 24th day of April, 1823. It was
printed in Dr. Houston's dwelling, now owned by
Theodore Urban, on Locust Street below Second,
Like the Columbian, it was neutral in politics. It
was strongly religious iu tone. It was published
severai years.
The Columbian Couranl was established by Scheaff ]
& Heinitsh, who purchased the press and type be-
longing to the Pioneer in Marietta and brought it to
Columbia. They sold out to John L. Boswcll, a
young printer who came from the State of Connect!-
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
cut, who, on the 3d day of June, 1830, commenced
the publication of tlie Columbia Spy and Literary
Beyister, wliich was neutral until June 23, 1831,
when its title was changed to Columbia Spy and Lan-
caster and York County Record, and the "Henry
Clay" banner was nailed to its head, with the
"American System" inscribed upon it. For that
period in the history of journali.sm it was ably con-
ducted, and was devoted to the interests of Henry
Clay, whom the editor desired to he President of the
United States. On the 6th day of July, 1833, the
paper was enlarged to twenty by thirty inches. In
1834, Mr. Boswell and Carpenter McGleery, of Lan-
caster, established the Lancaster Union, published in
that city. The editor of the Spy gave a portion of
his time to that jiaper. On the 24th day of May,
1834, Thomas E. Cochran took formal charge of the
editorial department of the Spy. In the spring of
1836, Mr. Boswell sold the Spy to Preston B. Elder,
■ cashier of the Columbia Bank and Bridge Company,
and purchased the Hartford Courant, and removed to
Hartford, Conn. Ercurius Beatty published the Spy
for the proprietor from that time to September, 1837,
when it was published by E. Beatty & Co. Under
the editorial management of Mr. Elder the paper
obtained a high rank among the literary papers in the
country. He was an accomplished writer and poet.
After Mr. Elder's death in 1839, Theodore D.
Cochran, who was then an apprentice in the ofhce,
took editorial management of the paper. He devel-
oped great talent as a political writer, and liad few
equals among his editorial brethren. While yet in
his minority he took charge of the Old Guard in
1840, an Anti-Masonic paper, established in Lan'
caster in 1839. Evan Green, the administrator of
Mr. Elder (who died in 1839), sold tlie paper to
James Patton, collector of tolls at the canal basin,
who changed its name to the Columbia Spy and Lan-
caster and York County Democrat. It advocated the
election of Martin Van Buren for President. In
1842, Mr. E. Maxson was taken into partnership,
and in the spring of 1843, Eli Bowen and Jacob L.
Gossler purchased the paper. They were both
minors, but young men of ability. In the fall of
1844, Mr. Bowen started the Protector, a taritf paper,
and sold his interest in the Spy to Charles J. Barnitz,
of York, who also purchased Mr. Gosslor's interest in
1845. In June, 1847, Charrick Westbrook purchased
. the ,§/>(/, and Dec. 11, 1847, William H. Spangler pur-
chased an interest in the paper. In the summer of
1848 they sold to George W. Schroyer, who sold to
'Eshlenian, Kammerer & Gochenauer in 1849, who
sold to J. G. L. Brown in 1850. In 1853 it was pub-
lished by Brown & Greene, who sold to Coleman J.
'Bull in 185.5. In 185G it was purchased by Stephen
'Greene (Mr. Brown taking a position in Forney's
' /Vesa office), who sold to Safnuel Wright in 1857,
was appointed to a position on Gen. Thomas ^V\■lsl^s
etaff, and went into the army. He sold to Andrew
M. Rambo in 1863, who on Sept. 4, 1869, sold to Maj. •
James W. Yocum, the present proprietor. It is a
conservative Republican paper and conducted with
ability^
The Columbia Daily Spy was started by A. M.
Rambo & Son in 1868, and was published for a period
of eighteen months. It was Republican in politics.
The Pennsylvania Courant was started in 1837 by
Henry Montgomery. Ercurius Beatty subsequently
became the publisher and proprietor. It lived until
1843. During the gubernatorial canvass of 1838 this
paper was particularly strong in its political depart-
ment.
The Protector was started by Eli Bowen and Jacob
L. Gossler in March, 1843. As its name implies, it
was a devoted advocate of the cause of protection and
the election of Henry Clay to the Presidency. After
a few numbers were published Jlr. Gossler retired,
and sold his interest to Mr. Bowen, who became edi-
tor, publisher, and carrier. He had but little money,
and often not the means to procure a meal. He
would go barefooted, and often sleep in an outhouse
when out of money. He walked to Lancaster, and
purchased an old Ramage press from Hugh Ma.xwell,
and two hundred pounds of type, on trust. He struck
off an edition of one thousand copies, and carried his
papers to Lancaster and neighboring towns, and sold
the entire number, which put him upon " his feet."
He bid fair to be one of the best newspaper men in
the country, but he was erratic, and did not tread the
paths of journalism for a period longer than four or
five years. The Protector lived but six months.
The Water-Spout was started during the height of
the Washingtonian temperance movement, and was
devoted to that cause. James Klinedriest was pub-
lisher and Theodore D. Cochran editor. It lived but
six moiUhs.
The Columbian was started by Charrick Westbrook
in 1846, and pubHshed by him until he purchased
the Spy in 1847, when it was merged in the latter.
The Columbia Herald was astablished in December,
18G7. Several leading men in the Democratic party
subscribed a sum sutiicient to start a paper, and George
Young, Jr., who was then an officer in the Columbia
j Fire Insurance Company, was chosen as editor. He
I became sole owner. Sir. Young, Jr., sold an interest
in the paper to W. Hayes Grier in 1873, and subse-
quently to that time it was published by Grier &
Modcrwell. Several years ago Mr. Grier purchased
Moderwell's interest, and is now sole proprietor and
editor. Mr. Grier has been recently appointed su-
perintendent of the State printing-office at Harrisburg.
He was a private in the late war (see military chnpter).
He is also justice of the peace for the Second Ward,
Columbia.
The Daily Tcleyram was started by Frank S. Taft
in 1869. It lived about two monlh.s.
The Democrat was slarted in llie summer of 1872
by W. Hayes tirier. It advocated the election of
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Horace Greeley for President, and was discontinued
in November, 1872.
The Weekli/ Courant was started by Andrew !M.
Rambo & Son in 1870, and is now published by the
former. It is an ably-conducted paper, and is radical
Republican in politics.
Foundries and Machine-Shops. —The expansion
of the iron interest in this plare ui]il vicinity since
the first machine-slinp was erected, t'orty-seven years
ago, is truly wonderful. In the year 1836, Jeffrey
Smedley and Thomas Hood, of Cliester County,
started a small machine-shop at the canal basin. The
first steam-engine built in the county was the one
they built to drive their machinery. The firm was
dissolved in September, 1837, and the business was
then carried on by Mr. Smedley. He manufactured
stationary engines and machine work generally, and
in this was greatly aided by the establishment of a
foundry near his shop. He carried on business at
that place until 1850, when he purchased the old
Shultz Brewery, a large four-story stone building,
situated on Second Street below Union, and converted
it into a machine-shop. A short time after this pur-
chase he took his son-in-law, Henry Brandt, into
partnership. In September, 1854, Mr. Smedley died
of cholera, then raging in Columbia. Mr. Brandt
continued the business until October, 1857, when a
stock company, entitled the Columbia Manufactur-
ing Company, look possession of the property, and
added a foundry thereto. The members of this com-
pany were Henry Brandt, Thomas R. and Ziuinierman
Supplee, brothers, who came from Brid'.'('()ort, Mont-
gomery Co., Pa., where they had been carrying on the
business for several years. They removed all of their
machinery from there to the works in Columbia,
which greatly increased the facilities of this estab-
lishment. The company arrangement was not suc-
cessful, having carried on the works at a period of
great depression in business. The Supplee Brothers
leased the works and built up a large trade. Finding
their buildings and ground limited in extent, they
sold this property and purchased a large tract near
the Columbia and Reading Railroad, at Fourth Stj-eet,
where they erected larger and more extensive works
in 1870. A few years ago a stock company was formed,
called the Supplee Iron Company, under which, name
it is now conducted.
In the year 18.37 Frederick Baugher and George
Wolf, residents of York, Pa., formed a copartnership,
and erected a foundry at the canal basin. When rail-
roads were first built, in order to get around the
curves without slipping it was necessary to have one
loo.se wheel upon every axle. James Wright, Jr., of
Columbia, conceived the idea of making a wheel with
a beveled tread, lie erected a circular railroad upon
John L. Wright's lot, upon which he experimented.
When Baugher and Wolf staVtcd their foundry they
were the first in the country to manufacture car-
wheels under Mr. \Vright's patent. This firm also
invented a wheel with solid hubs and concave and
convex plates in 1837. Previous to that time all car-
wheels were made with split hubs with spokes. Mr,
Bau>«her, being an Anti-Mason, obtained a good deal '
of State work under Governor Ritner's administra-
tion, and when David R. Porter was elected Governor,,
in 1838, George \\'iiU', who was a Democrat, obtained
a share of the State work. Mr. Baugher retired from
the firm in 1839.
Samuel Truscott, who was their principal pattern-
maker, and to whom this firm was indebted for some of
their inventions and the excellent work they turned
out, came from Baltimore, JId., to work for them in
1837, and was taken into partnership by Mr. Wolf oa
the 1st day of May, 184G. Mr. Wolf died in 1859,
when the firm was dissolved and Mr. Truscott retired;
and in a few years embarked in the coal-oil refining
business where the Columbia Stove- Works now stand.
After the removal of Mr. Smedley's machine-shop to
Second Street, Wolf and Truscott erected a large ma-,
chine-shop adjoining their foundry. These works
were carried on by the heirs of George Wolf until
Feb. 1, 1871, when they were sold to the Messrs. Per-
rottet and Hoyt. In the year 1872 they sold their
property to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to
make room for their new round-house. The firm
purchased property in the rear of the round-house
fronting on Bridge Street, where they erected larger
and more extensive works.
James Perrottet was a bound apprentice to the late
firm of Jlerrick & Son, of Philadelphia, lie after-
wards went to the State of Louisiana and thence to
the West Indies, where he erected anil look charge of
nuichinery in sugar-mills built by him. Their spe-
cialty has been the manufacture of sugar machinery
for Cuba and other sugar-making countries.
William J. Hoyt also learned his trade in Phila-
delphia, and worked lor Merrick & Son. He was pro-
moted by that firm to various positions, and remained
with them until they sold their works in 1870.
There is a machine-shop connected with the Keeley
Stove-Works which manufactures small stationary
engines, and is conducted by Zimmerman Supplee,
which is a separate establishment from the stove-
works. Their business is increasing, and the works
in the near future are to be enlarged.
Saw-Mills.— Jacob Strickler erected a saw-mill on
the bank of the river, a short distance above Fair-
view Grist-Mill, about the year 1818. A wing wall
-ras built some distance up the river from the mill,
which caught the current. There was only two or
three feet fall of water. When the dam was con-
structed across the river, in 1838, for the Susquehanna
and Tide- Water Canal, thi.s mill was taken away, and
another and much larger one built a short distance
farther down the river. A sluice was left in the
breast of the dam, which gave a greatly-increased
I power. This mill has been rebuilt and enlarged by
' its present owner, Frederick S. Bletz.
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
573
. In 1830, John McKissick, Jr., John Forry, Jr., and
Samuel B. Hise erected a saw-mill along the river
shore, a short distance above the present outlet-locks
at the canal, in the northwestern section of the bor-
ough. The falls were called Little Conewago. A
wing wall was built which gave about three feet fall
of water. It was jjartially destroyed repeatedly by
floods in the river. It was torn down in 1847, and a
new mill built by Dr. J. J. and J. S. Grier & Co.,
which was wholly run by steam-power. After the
public works were sold by the State, the mill was torn
down, they having to depend entirely upon the pat-
ronage awarded them by their party friends.
In 1844, Jonathan Pusey built a saw-mill at the
mouth of Shawanese Run, which was run by steam-
power. It was afterwards owned by his son Isaac,
after whose death, fifteen years ago, it was sold to
Abraham Bruner, and about ten years ago it was torn
down and a much larger mill was built by Abraham
and Cyrus Bruner along the river shore, close by the ,
old mill-site.
Planing-Mills.— The first planing-mill was built (
on the south side of Union Street, between Second
and Third Streets, by Jacob F. Markley & Co. This
mill was built in 1837. The Daniels patent planer
was used. The grooves and tongues of the flooring
were made entirely with a series of circular saws.
The Woodvvorth patent rotary planer entirely super-
seded this mode of making flooring. The mill build-
ing was converted into a lamp-black manufactory by
J.H.Mifflin. The place
Ing-houses.
In 1850, Joseph Pownall
Drauclier, and John B. Ba
y^
;s now occupied by dwell-
Joseph Dickinson, Hiram
duiian leased ground from
John L. Wright at the rear end of his mansion,
and erected a planing-mill, where not only flooring-
boards were manufactured but all kinds of house-car-
penter work. The mill was removed farther away
from the railroad to make room for more tracks, and
finally taken down and rebuilt along the river shore.
It is and has been for years owned wholly by John B.
Bachmau, Esq. It is now one of the best-equipped
phming-mills in the State. The business is conducted
by John B. Bachman and John Forry.
In 1881, Edward Smith erected a planing-mill on
the river shore above Union Street. Additions have
been made since its erection, and new aud niideru
machinery is constantly being added to it, and in a
few years it will rank among the best iu the State.
Frederick S. Bletz erected a planing-mill below the
mouth of Shawanese Run, along Front Street, in
the year 1848. All kindsof building material are also
xnnnuractured at this establishment. It has been in
'ijiprntion 6ver since, and is still owned by Mr. Bletz.
Michael Liphart erected a planing-mill at the cor-
ner of Lawrence aud Second Streets in 1870, which
waa destroyed by fire some years ago, and has not
Leen rebuilt.
■ The Keeley Stove- Works, located on the corner of
Second and Maple Streets, were erected in the sum-
mer and fall of 1882. They are operated by a stock
company, whose charter was dated May 5, 1882, with
a ca^iital stock of §100,000, and subsequently in-
creased to §150,000. The works have a capacity of
twenty thousand stoves per annum, and employ in
their manufacture nearly two hundred men. The
following-named persons are the present otBcers of
the company : President, George W. Haldeman ;
Treasurer, S. S. Detwiler ; Secretary, J. W. Ziller;
Manager, W. H. Pfahler.
Tanneries. — Samuel A. Atlee, son of Col. Samuel
John Atlee, erected a tannery on Shawanese Run
near the Lancaster turnpike in 1798, which he sold
to William Todd a few years later. He sold to
Houston and Joseph Mifliin. On the 13th day of
March, 1835, it was entirely destroyed by fire. It was
rebuilt by them, and in a few years they sold out to
Andrew John, who sold the property to the Chestnut
Hill Iron Ore Company.
John Hollinger erected a tannery on the same run
on the north side of the Lancaster turnpike about the
year 18l)6. The establishment is a very large one.
Mr. Hollinger also erected an additional curry ing-
shop farther down the stream, at Fourth Street.
The Columbia Water Company was organized
under an act of Assembly approved the 29th of JLay,
1823. William Wright was made president. The
company met with but indifl'erent success, and failed
to answer the expectations of the people. In 1858,
after being in operation for thirty-four years without
making a dividend or furnishing a proper supply of
water for domestic use, the company was compelled to
make an assignment for the payment of debts, and
some time during that year the charter, with franchises
and all the property, was sold at public auction to
Samuel Shoch for fifteen thou.sand three hundred and
fifty dollars, when a new organization was made.
The new company by an expenditure of more than
$100,000 has erected a dam, two large reservoirs, with
important improvements, and laid through the streets
of Columbia large iron pipes in place of the smaller
ones laid by the old company, by which the several
steam-engines for the extinguishment of fires and
other machinery requiring water can be abundantly
supplied as well as the demands for domestic use. A
full quantity of excellent water is drawn from natural
springs north of the town and also from the Susiiue-
hanna River.
The capital has been enlarged to the sum of
$100,000, and the all'airs of the company are man-
aged by Samuel Shoch, president; Joseph H. Black,
Col. Wm. W. McClure, Samuel Truscott, K. A. Fon-
dersmitU, James A. Meyers, and W. Latimer Small,
directors; Simon C. May, secretary and treasurer;
W. B. Foeseg, superintendent.
Columbia Gas Company. — By act of Assembly of
lOth April, 18,31, the Columbia Gas Company was char-
tered, and, after erecting suitable buildings, went into
574
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
operation for the purpose of making and supplying
gas. Samuel W. Miiflin was elected president, and
Amos Slaymal^er Green treasurer and secretary. The
capital was at first s37,500, but afterwards increased to
$60,000, at which it remains. I. G. Hess was at one
time president. In 1865, Samuel Shoch was elected
president, and still continues in that office. In 1874
the Lowe process of making gas out of oil was intro-
duced, by the use of new apparatus and machinery,
and thus far has proved an entire success. The gas
produced is of the best quality. The company is at
present under the management of Samuel Shoch,
president; H. M. North, Samuel Truscott, H. F.
Bruner, William W. McClure, Charles H. Henkle, C.
E. Graybill; Charles H. Henkle, secretary and treas-
urer; Robert Beecher, superintendent.
Riots.— From the day the manumitted slaves of
Isard Bacon and others, of Virginia, located in Co-
lumbia (in 1818-19) their numbers were largely in-
creased from that source, and fugitives from human
bondage in their flight to a land of freedom^— who
were not a few — tarried with them, and thus increased
the number of colored people to more than a thou-
sand. They did all the labor for the lumber mer-
chants along the river during the most profitable and
busy seasons of the year. This excited the envy and
hatred of not a few white people.
Stephen Smith, who was born a slave iif Paxton,
and was purchased for a limited lime (until he ar-
rived at the age of twenty-eight years) by Gen. Thomas
Boude in 1802, was a bright and intelligent boy, and
he soon developed a business talent not easily checked
in an ambitious youth. Before he was nineteen years
of age Gen. Boude gave him the entire management
of his lumber-yard, and in the same year he was clan-
destinely married to a beautiful mulatto girl, who re-
sided in the family of Jonathan Mifflin, lie proposed
to Gen. Boude to buy the remainder of his servitude,
and that gentleman agreed to take one hundred dol-
lars. He went to his frien<l John Barber and told
him of his designs, when that large-hearted gentle-
man handed him one hundred dollars. He pur-
chased his freedom, and then, with fifty dollars he
had saved by doing extra work, he commenced to
buy a little lumber and speculate in every venture in
which he could turn a penny to profit. His profits
increased rapidly until he owned one of the' largest
lumber-yards along the shore. He also invested
money in real estate, and whenever a property was
offered for sale he was one of the foremost and liveliest
bidders. In the height of his prosperity, in 1834, he
was served with the following notice :
" Yon hove Hgnln aaaentbled yourself among thu white people to bid
up properly, ftM you have Leen in the habit of doing for a Duntber of
yeiuH buck. You uiu^t know that your presence la not agieeable, and
the less you appear in the assembly of the \vhltes the better it wiH be
for your black hide, as there are a great uniny In this place that would
think your absence from it a benefit, as you are considered an injury to
To this he gave but little attention. James Wright,
William Wright, and John L. Wright promptly of-
fered a reward for the detection of the author of this
notjce. In the spring of 1834 there had been a num-
ber of riots in several cities in the Northern States
against-the colored people. Excitement ran high
everywhere.
On the 11th day of August, 1834, some person or
persons broke into Smith's office, which stood oa
Front Street, a short distance below the round-
house, and destroyed his books and papers. This
was a great loss to him, but one that he could bear.
He stood up manfully for his rights, and did uot quail
before the men whom he was well assured were en-
couraging a clamor against him and invoking mob
law. This lawless feeling against a worthy colored
man, who was not to be " browbeaten" or drivea
away by threats of personal violence, was turned
against his less courageous colored I'riends who resided
in the northeastern section of the town. On the 16th,
17th, and 18th of August, 1834, a mob drove the col-
ored people from their homes and destroyed much'
of their property. They fled to the hills surrounding
the town and to Bethel's Woods for safety, and some
of them remained there several days without shelter
or food. David Miller, high sheriff' of the county,
swore in a large number of " deputies," who wont
from Lancaster to Columbia and arrested a number
of persons supposed to be the leaders in the riots,
They were tried, but none of them were convicted and
sent to prison as they deserved to be.
Mr. Smith removed to Philadelphia in 1842, where
he engaged in business. He also retained his lumber-
yard in Columbia, and gave William Whipple, a col-
ored man, who resided in Columbia, an interest.
First Steamboat on the Susquehanna.— On Sat-
urday evening of June 11, 1825, the first steamboat
that attempted to navigate the Susquehanna River
from its mouth to its source arrived unexpectedly at
this place. The following day was spent in taking
pleasure-parties to " Big Island," " Goose Island,"
etc. The citizens turned out in a body to witness the
novel sight. The churches were all closed, and the
Sabbath-schools presented an array of empty benches.
It required several days to bring the boat from the
mouth of the river to this point. Between these
points the distance is forty-five miles, and the river
at Columbia is two hundred and sixty feet higher
than the head of tide-water, which is five miles above
the mouth of the river. The channel is tortuous and
rocky, and at that time it was exceedingly dangerous
for any craft to attempt to navigate the stream againsj
the current. Men ran out to the rocks on shore in
advance of the boat in canoes, with anchors, to which
i ropes were attached, and on the bow of the boat the
other end of the rope was fastened to a capstan, and
the boat was " warped" over the most dangerous
places. The boat left Columbia on Tue.sday, the 14th
of June, 1825, and it reiiuired three days to get it
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
1760640
575
through Little Conewago Falls, above the outlet
lock, and at Chikis Rock. The citizens of Marietta
welcomed its arrival with booming of cannon and
fire- works. The boat was taken up the river as tar
at Wilkesbarre, where the boiler exploded and de-
stroyed it.
Asiatic Cholera. — Columbia was suddenly visited
by this dreadful disease in September, 1854, and it i
raged with great fury for ten days, and threatened |
at the height of the epidemic to destroy the entire ]
population. It was confined entirely to the town,
and was altogether one of the most remarkable epi-
demics in this country of which history gives any
account. The month of August and first week in
September of that year was unusually dry and hot.
On Thursday, September 7th, a warm wind came across
the river from the south, wafting noisome odors,
which was supposed to come from the decaying vege-
table matter in the river. This was a subject of re-
mark, and many citizens thought it foreboded no
good for the health of the people. They anticipated
malaria only, and never dreamed of the impending
danger, which visited the town almost as suddenly
and unexpectedly as a bolt of lightning.
When the railroad cars came from Philadelphia
in the evening of Sept. 7, 1854, they left a family
of emigrants. Two of them were sick, father and
son, and they were taken to an unoccupied dwelling
on Front Street. Physicians were called to attend
them, and they pronounced the disease Asiatic, cholera.
Two or three citizens waited upon them during the
night. The father died in the morning, and the son
Bome time during the day.
No uneasiness was felt on the part of the citizens,
and the death of these two emigrants caused but
little remark. On Friday, the 8th of September,
Francis Bradley, a notary public and worthy citizen,
was taken sick suddenly with the disease, and in an
hour or two he was a corpse. When Saturday morn-
ing, the 9th, dawned it found its citizens in a panic.
During Friday night many [lersons were seized with
the disease, and when daylight came long processions
of men, with despair or an.xiety depicted upon every
countenance, were hurrying to the drug-stores or to
the physicians. The disease spared neither age or
sex, rich or poor, high or low in society, but swept
all before it. '
The large list of deaths on Saturday and Sunday
attest the severity of the disease. On Sunday the
hegira of the citizens commenced, and half of the
population fled from the place. Fortunately for them
and the country the disease did not spread any far-
ther, although there were many cases in Pittsburgh,
brought there by some emigrants who came to this
country witii those that were left with the disease in
Columbia. A number of physicians came from other
places to assist those here. Several citizens distin-
guished themselves by their benevolence and untiring
efforts in behalf of the sick. There was one who de-
serves special mention. I refer to Daniel R. Craven, .
who volunteered as nurse, and was a most faithful one.'
A number of persons apparently in good health
were taken sick suddenly on the street, and in an
hour afterwards they were dead. A large number of
those whose names we give were taken sick, died, and
were buried on the same day. Following is a list of
the victims of tliis e|)idemic:
Francis Bradley, Frout Streel.
Salu
Hubert Spnrtt3, Fourth Street.
Mrs. Williiiin Hippey, Cherry
Street.
E. A. Howard, Frout Street.
Dr. E. E. Cochran, Walnut Street.
J. J. Strickler, Hrrr's hutel.
H. H. Liclity, Locust Street.
Samuel Hiukle, Uniou Street.
James Keely, Harkius' tavern.
Mi^. S. Lysle, Laurens Street.
Mrs. Samuel Atkenfl, Laurens
Street.
John Gilbert, Terry Street.
Jliss Ann Harnly, Locust Street.
Mrs. Steliheji Feli,\, Fourth Street
Mrs. C. David, Union Street.
John Boyd, Locust Street.
Charles Beuner, at Jacob Hardy's,
Uui(
Pete
, Perry Street,
at Miuich's ta'
Margaret L. Hagau, Walnut Street.
Charles Jackson (colored).
Webster Fox (colored).
Malhias Neidiuger, Union Street,
at Mack's brewery.
Simon Snyder, Front Street.
Mrs. J. W. Shuman, Front Street.
Mrs. Jacob Crosby, Union Street.
Mrs. Harris, Perry Street.
Mrs. Elder, Third Street.
Mrs. William Rees, Clierry Street.
Mi-s. B. Dick, Second Street.
Sunday.
Richard Costello, Union i
Miss Margaret Fi.her,
t G. Bran
1 tav-
Street.
William Waitcs, Third Street
A German, name unknown, hoB-
am Wye (colored),
las Goodman (colored).
Lorenzo Krab, Third Street
William Carson, Enny's office.
Mrs. Shillo, Tliird Street
Mrs. Eli Derrick, Locust Street.
Mrs. Clarissa Eicliards, Third
Street. 1 unknown.
Samuel Bough, Frout Street. I
Monday.
Mis. Catharine Swartz, Perry. J. W.Shumau's child. Front Street.
Bernard Campbell, Union Street An Englishman, name unknown,
Mrs.EIton Kimburg, Tliird Street hospital.
John Mieaberger, liospitaT. Henry Barney (colored).
Mrs. Payr
Mrs. H. K
s'8 child, Walnut Street
Minich, Front S(reet.
Tutedai/.
John Kidders, Locust Street
Jesse Harry, Cherry Street.
Hannah Wilson, Clierry Street
Evan Green, Front Street.
Henry Davis (colored).
Wednendiiif.
Henry Smith's son, Locust Street
A. M. Haines. Manor township.
George Boyd's child, Cherry Street.
John Kingbell, Fourth Street
Mrs. Waltmau, at Lancaster.
George Beaver'B child, Locust
Alwels Leilfinger, hospital.
Samuel Reed's child, Cherry Street
Mrs. Ziegler, Walnut Street.
Mrs. George Plumni, Union Street
A German, name unknown, hos-
pital.
A German and child, names un-
i disease and
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Thuredaij.
J. W.Shunian'scliild, Front Street. Anna Parker (colored), hospital,
Sarah Hall (colored), hosiiital. I Michael Baker, Walnut Street.
Fridai/.
William Bell, Perry Street. [ Mrs. Hippy, CHierry Street.
Mrs. Sweeny, Fourth Street. GeorgeSheueberger, York Conuty.
William McBride, Third Street. j John Fotch, licspital.
Mrs. E. Wright, Germautown. , Jauiea Brown, Locust Street.
Mrs. Odell, Walnut Street. '-
Saturday,
John Craig's child, Cherry Street. I Mrs. Evans, corner Fourth and
Zachariah Kichard, Front Street. Cherry Streets.
Jeffrey Smedley, Charlestown, | Timothy Toole, hospital.
Chester Co.
Suudaij.
Samuel Baldwin, Fourth Street. j Mrs. George W.
James McKeever, outlet lock. hurg.
John Jordon'schild, Fourth Street. '
.tJoy.
lie, Harri
Monday.
: I William Pearson, Chestnut Hill.
John Kock, St. Charles Furnai
Sol. Turner (coloied).
Tueadai,.
Mrs. Lentze, Pequea. i Leonard Kock, St. Charh
Julin Shaffer, at Brandt's. AlOert White (hoy), cau,i
Frederick Snyder, Locust Street.
Wednei
iel Zahm, Locust Street.
. Jarvis, Locust Street.
. Mary Grismeyer, liospital.
J
u Slmnian's child, Front Str^
Irish child, canal 1
Sunday.
Mrs, Morrison, Laurens Street. 1 John naniiltun's boy, canal basin.
Railroad Strike. — In the early part of the summer
of 1877 there was a great deal of agitation among
railroad employes all over the country. Secret or-
ganizations were formed in every town and city bor-
dering along the trunk lines of the great railways,
wliich embraced very nearly all employes of the sev-
eral railroads, day laborers only excepted. The sev-
eral classes of employ^ had distinct and separate
organizations, and worked under variou.s titles, but
all had one common object, to wit, the securing of
more remunerative wages, and helping each other in
case of sickness, etc. The aggregate number belong-
ing to these several societies embraced many thou-
sands. In July, 1877, the Baltimore and OlJio Rail-
road Company declined to accede to a demand made
by some of their employe's, and the latter suddenly
quit work. The news was flashed over every tele-
graph wire in the country, and gradually others quit
work for this company. The members of the different
secret societie.^ sympathized with their friends along
the Ilallimore and Ohio Railroad, and were carried
away by the excitement of the hour, and were drawn
into the "strike." There was no outward indication
that the storm started in Virginia was about to burst
upon the Pennsylvania and Heading Railroad t'om-
panies.
On Saturday, July 21, 1877, the employ^j com«
nienoed to "strike" at Harrisburg, and on Sunday;
July 22, Columbia received the shock, and the
engineers and others refused to permit the moving
of any freight trains.
A nTass-meeting, composed of railroad employ^,
numbering several hundred, met on the same evening
at the public ground below the bridge. Committees
were appointed whose duty it was to obstruct entirely
the movement of the rolling-stock of the railroad. A
mob of disorderly and disreputable persons took pos-
session of the town. Some of them marched around
among the farmers and enforced contributions from
tliem for the support of alleged "strikers."
Saloons and taverns were ordered to be closed by
the "strikers," and in one or two instances the mob
forced some of the grocerymen to give them flour,
groceries, and provisions.
The company was at the mercy of the strikers, and
they were very much afraid that their proiierty in
the borough, which amounted to a million dollars or
more, would be destroyed by fire. The danger-point
was not passed until the leader and chief conspirator)
Truxell, was arrested and taken to jail, which oc-
curred on Thursday, July 2()th.
Fire Companies. — Just when, where, or by whom
the pioneer lire apparatus of the old Columbia Cora*
pany was purchased we cannot ascertain, as the earliest
records are lost or destroyed. However, we find tiiat
the company was organized and owned a fire-engine
as early as February 27, 1806, and an account of one
hundred and fifty dollars having been paid towards
its purchase, and the same year eleven dollars was
charged by the treasurer as having been paid for re-
pairs to the carriage. This is supposed to mean the
hose-carriage, though not definitely stated. In 1814,
at a reorganization of the company, the following
persons were enrolled as members: Samuel Miller,
William F. Houston, William B. Hunt. John Wilson,
John Haldeman, Michael Elder, William F. Beaty,
Joseph Jeffries, John McKissick, Joseph Mifliin, Jacob
Williams, Thomas Wright, Thomas M. Jlifflin, John
Forrey, John Brum field, Robert W. Houston, C.
Brennemau, Dominick Haughey, E. Green, Amos H(
Slaymaker, Benjamin Brubaker, John L. Wright,
John Gontner, Jr., James Willson, Jr., John Mathiot,
A. B. Breneman, John Greenleaf, Peter Yarnall, John
Evans, James Clyde, James Sweeney, Thomas Lloyd,
Joshua King, William Wright, James E. Mifflin,
Charles N. Wright, Hugh McCorkill, William Liston,
John W. Patton, Israel Cooke, James Collins, Nathan
Roberts, Jr., Benjamin Worrell, Henry Martin, Robert
Barber, Jacob Jlathiot, Casper Peters, John Hippey,
Th. A. Willson, Robert Magill, Thomas Trump, John
Dicks, William Kirkwood, George W. Gibbons, George
Mason, James Todd, George Peters, Christian Halde-
man. The engine- and hose-house of this company
is located on LocustStreet, between Second and Third,
and is conveniently and elegantly fitted up for the
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
577
comfort of the members of the company and their
visitors. The officers for 188.3 were: President, John
Tyson; Vice-President, William Findley; Secretary,
li. >t. Sample; Treasurer, J. W. Yocum- Chief En-
gineer, D. A. Wayne ; Chief Director, Eugene Conley.
The Good Intent Fire Company was organized
in April, 1835, and a fire-engine was purchased in the
eunimer of the same year. This company was com-
posed of the wealthiest and best citizens in the
place.
The Vigilant Steam Fire-Engine and Hose Com-
pany, No. 2, whose engine-house is located at No.
24 North Second Street, was originally organized as
the " Good Intent Fire Company," and subsequently
(about 1844) the name was changed to "Vigilant Fire
Company," and atthe outbreak of the Rebellion nearly
all the members "shouldered arms and marched to the
front." In the latter part of 18(35 the company was
reorganized and consolidated with the old "Susque-
hanna Fire Company," under the name of " Vigilant
Steam Fire-Engine and Hose Company, No. 2." The
property at No. 24 North Second Street is owned by
the company. They have in charge a fourth-class
Clupp & Jones steamer, built in 1882, and have
upon their rolls the names of about two hundred
men. The officers of the company for 1883 were as
follows: President, George R. Bennett; Vice-Presi-
dent, James Kiskaddon ; Treasurer, N. Gilihan;
Secretary, George W. Schroeder.
The Shawnee Steam Fire-Engine and Hose Com-
pany, whose engine-liouse is located on North Fifth
Street, in the Fourth Ward of the borough, was or-
ganized June 4, 1874, with the following officers and
members, the first election taking place June 12th of
the same year. The following were the first officers
elected: President, James E. Wolf; Vice-President,
Frank Conroy ; Secretary, George L. Lyle; Treasurer,
Daniel F. Gohn ; Trustees, William G. Lutz, John
Elliott, Philip Schlack; Foreman, George W. Wike;
Assistant Foremen, C. Swartz, C. Shillot, D. Cole-
man ; Hose Guards, John Wolf, James Hickey, David
liarr, Andrew Lane, Samuel Blackson, George Shoe-
maker, Ed. Gause, Frederick Hardnele. The steamer
in charge of this company is a third-class Clapp &
Jones machine, built and purchased in 187G. The
company had, July 80, 1883, two hundred and sevQiity-
four members on their rolls. The officers for 1883
were as follows: President, Andrew Hardnele; Vice-
President, George Hardnele; Secretary, George F.
Lutz; Treasurer, Daniel F. Gohn; Chief Engineer,
Joseph Howers; Assistant Engineer, Harry Dinkle;
Trusteeg, A. 11. Gilbert, Peter Book, Joseph Sweitzer;
Janitor, Joiin Honadle; Chief Hose Director, Ed.
Triicy ; First AHsistant, George Dinkle.
The borough purchased a small fire-engine called
the " Bravo" about the year 1825. The box was
•upplied with water carried in buckets from the river
or Home adjoining pump. There was a crank-handle
oa each side, where two men could stand and turn
87
the handle, which forced the water over an ordinary
house.
It was of great service in case of fires, and could
be taken into any of the back yards and other places
where a larger engine could not go. But little care
was taken with it, and the wood-work shrank and let
out the water at first about as fast as it was put in.
The cylinder lay horizontal, and the shaft between
the handles ran through the centre. Two meh could
work this little engine very easily.
It weut to pieces more than twenty years ago. In
1832 it was given in charge of Columbia Fire Com-
pany.
Eastern Star Lodge, No. 169, F. and A. M., was
constituted about 1812. The records of the lodge are
lost, but it is known that it continued work till about
1830, when its communications ceased. The last sur-
viving Mason who was a member at that time, Tliomas
B. Dunbar, died in June, 18S3.
Columbia Lodge, No. 286, F. and A. M., was con-
stituted Feb. 16, 1S54, under a charter granted to C.
S. Kaurt'man, W. il. ; Daniel Herr, S. W. ; Jacob M.
Strickler, J. W. ; James S. McMahon, S. ; Thomas
Lloyd, T. ; and Peter A. Kinburg, John Eckert, and
John Barr, charter members. The first place of meet-
ing was Herr's Hotel, corner of Fulton and Walnut
Streets. Its communications were held here till 1873,
when it removed to Odd-Fellows' Hall, corner of
Second and Locust Streets, its present place of meet-
ing.
The Worshipful Masters of this lodge have been
C. S. Kaulfman, Daniel Herr, Joseph Buchanan,
Francis H. Ebur, J. L. Wolfe, L. Frederick, A. M.
Rambo, E. K. Boice, A. J. Kauffman, C. H. Mc-
Cullough, J. A. E. Keed, J. A. Myers, William W.
Upp, A. R. Breneman, C. A. Fondersmith, J. G.
Pence, Franklin Hinkle, David B. Willson, Silas A.
Vache, George F. Rathvon, S. B. Clepi)er, John A.
Blade, James Perr^ttet, Theodore L. Urban. The
present officers are Joseph W. Yocum, W. jM. ;
Abraham G. Guiles, S. W. ; Simon C. Camp, J. W. ;
James A. Meyers, T._; and A. J. Kauffman, S.
The total number initiated in this lodge is two hun-
dred and eighty-eight. The present membership is
one hundred and forty-three. The lodge has a fund
of $12,500 invested.
Corinthian Royal Arch Chapter, No. 224, F.
and A. M., was c(.M>titutcd June 24, 1801), with A. J.
Kauflman, H. P.; Franklin Hinkle, K. ; George F.
Sprenger, S. ; E. K. Boice, T. ; M. M. Strickler, Sec. ;
David Hanauer, A. M. Rambo, George Seibert, Jacob
S. Snyder, C. S. Kaulfman, and John C. Buclier,
charter members.
The foltowing have served as H. P.: A. J. Kaull-
man, Franklin Hinkle, William II. Eagle, William
II. Pfahler, Charles H. McCuUough, C. L. P. Boice,
T. J. Clepper, Andrew M. Rambo, Stephen B. Clep-
per, Jacob G. Pence, Peter A. Krodel, John A. Slade,
Elias B. Herr.
578
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
The present officers are Joseph W. Yocum, H. P. ;
William G. Taylor, K. ; Theodore L. Urbau, S. ;
Charles H. Pfahler, T. ; A.J. Kauffman, Sl'c. The
last has been Grand Commander of the Knights
Templar in Pennsylvania.
The present membership is seventy-three, and it
has a surplus invested.
Cyrene Commandery, No. 34, K. T., was consti-
tuted first by dispensation March 25, 1869, and by
charter June 9, 18G9. The charter members were
Andrew J. Kauffman, E. C. ; Andrew M. Rambo, G. ;
George F. Sprenger, C. G. ; Matthew M. Strickler,
T. ; Franklin Hinkle, Rec. ; George Seibert, Samuel
Carter, Jacob S. Snyder, John C. Bucher, Christian
S. Kauffman, and Andrew M. Rambo.
The Past Commanders are as follows: C. S. Kauff-
man, A. J. Kauffman, A. M. Rambo, William H.
Eagle, Stephen B. Clepper, Thomas J. Clepper, Sul-
livan S. Child, Daniel J. Griffith, Peter A. Krodel,
Stephen S. Clair, John A. Slade, Isaac D. Landis,
Simon C. Camp, and Christian Hershey.
The present officers are William H. Pfahler, E. C. ;
George J. Ralhbon, G. ; Robert McAnall, C. G. ; W.
G. Taylor, T. ; A. J. Kauffman, Rec.
The present membership is sixty-two.
Susquehanna Lodge, No. 80, I. 0. 0. F., was or-
ganized in the borough of Columbia in December,
1842. The charter members were John Frederick
Houston, N. G. ; T. B. Odell, V. G. ; E. J. Sneeder,
Sec; Nicholas Springer, Treas. This lodge is one
of the oldest and most prominent of the lodges in
Pennsylvania, and is yet in tine working order, with
a membership far above the average. The roll-books
of the lodge contain the names of men who have
since become prominent in railroad. State, and na-
tional affairs. We may mention the late Thomas A.
Scott, late president of the Pennsylvania Railroad,
also Assistant Secretary of War under President
Lincoln, and a number of others who have held sim-
ilar positions of honor and trust. We copy the fol-
lowing list of nam
forty years ago :
Juhn F. IIouetoD.
E. J. Sneoder.
KIcliulus Springer.
Martin Noil.
Francia lliadli-y.
William McClicsney.
G. G. Claiburne.
Willium F. Curottiers.
William CowUeu.
H. Siiyiiuiu.
A. Guhn.
O. C. Franclacus.
C. Mellinger.
Jghli.ll. Wright.
Jolin nnlhiiiher. '
from the roll
lenibership
H. M
urray.
J. Sn
edk.y.
B.C.
Lluyd.
Jiin.ea Kerr.
J. M
Knip.
El. B
D. K
Gardiner
G. n
Rntter.
Will
am Shaw
D. K
Blxlc-r.
John
B. Wolf.
Abrah.iui llur
R.U
alfiint.
S. II.
Carnjihan
M, Ck'ppor.
S.imiitl Caley.
W. W. Miirlln.
J. W. Berntheizel.
Godfrey Keebler.
Paskil M. Taylo
Jacob Wolf.
William S. Coch
Sunulel Oolin.
John tddy.
Joseph A. Barr.
11. Pfahler.
John Lloyd.
P. Goodman.
Jacob Grubb.
E. A. Howard.
A. McMithael.
S. D. Young.
J. H. Broolis.
H. R. Muaser.
John Jordan.
A. 1). BoggB.
William Caats.
Samuel Brooks.
G. W. Barrack.
J. JlcCorkle.
H. Krenaun.
C. I!a«linga.
William Boll.
Joseph HeS3.
John F. Craig.
Elias Haul).
Joseph Withers.
M. Leese.
S. C. Gove.
Nelson Sutton.
William Paltou.
William S. Dickey.
II. Brennem.iu.
D. Murphy.
J. B. Edwards.
George Moore. '.i.
Thomas A. Scott. , !
P. M. Haldeman.
M. Leibhart. ''I
A.Harper. ^
H. Harnley. •;
William Wiggins. '.^
J. H. Roberts. ''■
J. F. Beecher. (*,
John Kerr. :^
Joseph Black. Jr. ,•
Samuel S. Hively. 's'
P. Delinger. j,
0. Westbrook. «
B. F. Whitson. ' "?
T. Tyrrell. '4.
S. R. Lewellyn. ...(j
William F. Lockard. ;
A. M. Haines. ' "^
0. SIcCullough. ■''
R.W.Smith. 'Si
Levi Duck. ,A
William R. Beck. .
John Smeltzer. *
H. Fraley. . j
J. B. Flury. , ^^
B. Young. ;
P. Morris. '
Joseph Hougendobler. :i
William Roberts. )
Jacob K. Habaker. .^
William Sclmlck.
Samuel Bruckhart. , '!
Conrad Kraus. .'|
John H. Kauffman. ^
Joseph B. Habaker.
John Kessler. •*
H. A. Hougendobler.
John M. Weller. I
AVilliam Brown. {
Daniel Flury. **■
0. W. Kiilhfon. '^
Henry U. Upp. i^
Joseph HidJIeson. .
A number of the prominent members of this lodge
formed an association, and erected a large four-stury
building at the northeast corner of Second and Locust
Streets, measuring forty feet on Locust, and e.xtendinj
along Second Street eighty feet, in the year 1850.
The lodge-room is in the fourth story. The third
story is used by the order of Red Men and the
Blasonic fraternity. The second story is used for a
public hall, and the first story for law-offices and
drug-store. The association is a stock company, i
The membersliip of Lodge No. 80 is very large.
Since its organization more than thirty thousand dol-
lars have been paid out in benefits to members anii
their families. '■
The Past Grands of this lodge who are now living are
Martin Neil, Samuel B. Heise, D. I. Bniner, Samuel
Truscott, William F. Carutliers, H. H. Houston, H.
M. North, Harford Fraley, Peter Fraley, Hiram Wil-
son, T. J. Kuch, Stephen Green, William Reese, A.
M. Rambo, John Shenberger, M. S. Shuman, E. A.
Becker, A. J. Musser, William B. Fasig, H. F. Bruner,
C. H. McCullough, S. C. May, John L. Long, Jobn
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
D79
B. Mullen, J. D. Stacy, J. D. Fisher, Benjamin Hal-
deman, Andrew Henderson, Henry Hippey, Jacob
BaLn, John A. Brush, William Clark, Ge.)rge D.
Huff, J. G. Pence, L. D. May, A. J. Hoffman, James
B. Douglas, John B. Eshleman, L. C. Overton, Hugh
Donley, Michael Schaivley, Samuel H. Boyd, Henry
Myers, George B. Breneman, Samuel H. Hoffman,
Joseph Funk, James T. Schroeder, Isaac Anwerter,
B. F. Dean, and Jacob Tracy.
The present officers are E. D. Fry, N. G. ; R. S.
Dunbar, V. G. ; Samuel H. Boyd, freas. ; R. J. M.
Little, Sec.; John E. Tyler, Asat. Sec. The present,
membership is two hundred and one. The lodge
has a surplus invested of five thousand dollars.
Orion Lodge, I. 0, 0. F., was organized May 25,
1874, witli the following-named officers: W. Hayes
Grier, N. G. ; Simon P. Wayne, V. G. ; J. S. Smith,
Bee. I H. H. Roberts, Asst. Sec. ; George W. Schroe-
der, Treas. ; George W. Sener, A. C. Eckert, V. J.
Baker, Trustees ; 0. W. Stevenson, Con. ; S. P. Moder-
well, S. W. ; Samuel Greeuawalt, J. W. ; Harry C.
Lichty, R. S. to N. G. ; George A. Souders, L. S. to
N. G. ; James S. Nowlen, R. S. S. ; Evan G. Hamaker,
L. S. S. ; S. M. Williams, R. S. to V. G. ; Charles B.
Schuster, L. S. to V. G. ; James Growth er, I. G. ; Sam-
uel Hippy, O. G. ; H. C. Sprout, Janitor. The lodge is
in a flourishing condition, and numbers about one
hundred and forty-five members in good standing,
iiid a fund of three thousand dollars in the treasury.
Tiieir lodge-room is iu the third story of the Vigi-
lant Fire Company, on Second Street, between Locust
and Walnut Streets.
Shawnee Encampment, No, 23, 1. 0. 0. F., was
organized, but after u tew years it surrendered its j
charier, and was subsequently reorganized. The Past
Chief Patriarchs are Samuel Truscott, Samuel B.
Heise, Hiram Wilson, D. L Bruner, Andrew Hen-
derson, J. W. Fisher, A. M. Rambo, John Shenber-
ger, H. F. Bruner, John L. Long, Daniel CuUey,
George D. Huff, Simon C. May, R. J. M. Little, E.
A. Becker, John A. Brush, A. J, Musser, William
Clark, C. H. McCullough, Jacob Bahn, Samuel P.
Graver, L. C. Oberlin, Olhneil Geiger, Michael
Scheibiey, H. C. Lichty, Orrick Richards, M. H.
Newcomer, James B. Douglass, George D. Schroeder,
Jlenry ilyers, C. D. Stevenson, Charles N. Sin\ms,
laauc Oibb, James A. Allison, and Eli Roberts. The
present otlicers are Samuel C. Schwartz, C. P.; John
H Tyler, S. W. ; F. P. D. Miller, J. W. ;• George D.
Bcbroeder, T. R. J. ; M. Little, S. The membership
of the encampment is ninety-three. It has a fuud
Invented of three thousand dollars.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers of
the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Division
Ho. 104, was organized in Columbia in the month of
.June, 18G9. None but locomotive engineers can be-
.coroe members of this order. The object of this asso-
^ciatlon is for " mutual i)rotection and llie elevation of
,|U members in society, and their advancement in
their occupation." There is also a beneficial and life
insurance feature of the order, which pays the family
of a deceased member the sum of three thousand dol-
lars, and ulso the same amount for total disability.
In case of sickness or partial disability the sum of
eight dollars ptr week is paid to the beneficiary.
The officers are John T. Richards, Chief Engi-
neer; George Irwin, First Engineer; Henry Beck,
Second Engineer; James B. Strawbridge, First As-
sistant Engineer; Hayes Smith, Second Assistant
Engineer ; Joshua Hughes, Third Assistant Engineer ;
David Leyman, Guide; Jesse Godeeker, Chaplain.
The stated meetings of this order are on the first
Sunday of each month and the third Wednesday
evening of each month. Their room is on the third
story of Fenrich's Hall, on Locust Street, between
Front and Second Streets.
There are thirty two members of the order belong-
ing to this division. The following-named members
have died : Thomas Powers, Michael Shuman, Jacob
Armstrong, John Neinian. JMartin Mellinger was
killed on the Pennsylvania Railroad at Glen Lock, in
the winter of 1871, while standing on the track, oil-
ing his engine. In case of death the sum is made
up by an assessment of one dollar each in the whole
order.
The rules of the order prohibit drunkenness, and
its menibers are not permitted to keep drinking sa-
loons or taverns. The motto of the order is " Truth,
Justice, Sobriety, and Morality." The members are
all respectable and well-to-do citizens.
Chiquesalunga Tribe, No. 3L Improved Order
of Red Men, was organized in 1857, with Joseph S.
List, S. ; J. W.Tyler, S. S. ; J. B. Rahm, J. S. ; J. H.
Freet, P. ; G. Branett, K. of W. ; Dudley D. Upp,
C. of R., and others as charter members. It haa
maintained an unbroken existence to the present
time. The Sachems have been V. J. Baker, Edward
Billet, William L. Cope, B. F. Clair, Joseph .Ellsla-
ger, David R. Fisher, Samuel Greenawalt, George
Hardnele, Andrew Hardnele, John Harsh, Isaac
Broom, Adam Krotzer, W. R. Meckley, Harry Maze,
Lawrence McCracken, Jacob Milligsack, H. C. Mat-
thews, William Preston, Daniel Retheiser, George
Roberts, John Ritter, George W. Seaner, Amos Sym-
mons, L. M. Williams, G. W. Snider, Nicholas Wolf,
George Young, Emanuel Newcomer, William Black-
son.
The present officers are Charles Filbert, S. ; Jacob
Krotzer, S. S. ; Albert Newcomer, J. S. ; William
Meckley, P.; Emanuel Newcomer, C. of R. ; E. J.
Baker, K. of W.
The tribe has two hundred and two members, and
its assets above its liabilities are four thousand dol-
lars.
The wigwam of this tribe is tastefully furnished,
and the walls are ilecoraled with characteristic paint-
Osceola Tribe, No. 11, Improved Order of Red
'C.: 4'
580
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Men, was organized Jan. 17, 1874, with Smith Swords,
S. ; A. J. Musser, S. S. ; J. H. Downs, J. S. ; P. A.
Krodel, C. of R. ; James Schroeder, K. of W. ; Wil-
liam Paxson, Prophet; Josiah Gramme, George F.
Berger, Charles Grove, Andrew M. Rambo, Peter
Hofl'man, Henry A. Weaver, Calvin A. Bahn, Claj'-
ton J. Reisinger, Henry Bixler, John Bahn, Jat-ob
A. Devine, Abram Guiles, Charles G. Hopton, Josluia
Earnshaw, Jacob H. Lutz.
This was the reorganization of a tribe by the same
name that was chartered much earlier, and at the
time of its reorganization James Schroeder, now dead,
was the only living member of the original tribe.
The Sachems of this tribe have been, in succession,
Smith Swords, William Paxson, Josiah Gramm, S. B.
Clepper, John H. Downs, Peter Hoffman, George
Little, John D. Lowry, Benjamin F. Jlann, Joseph
G. Moore, H. S. Kimmel. John B. Slaymaker, Filbert
Smith, D. L. Weim, G. W. Berntheisel, Thomas J.
Clepper, Adolphus Redman.
The present oflicers are B. H. Eicherly, Sachem ;
George Studenroth, S. S. ; George C. Hill, J. S. ; G.
W. Berntheisel, P.; G. Bentou Clepper, C. of R.;
Henry Nolte, K. of W. The present membership is
one hundred and forty-six. The tribe has a surplus
of several hundred dulhirs in its treasury.
The Red Rose Conclave, No. 10, Knig-hts of the
Red Cross of Constantine and Attendant Orders.
— This was first organized as No. o'J, under a charter
from the Grand Conclave of England, dated June 16,
1871. June 14, 1872, the conclave was renumbered
by the Grand Council of Pennsylvania.
The charter members were A. J. Kauffman, M. P. S. ;
S. B. Clepper, Vice; Charles J. Fondersmith, S. G. ;
Abraham R. Breneman, J. G. ; William H. Pfhaler,
H. P.; Charles H. Pfhaler, Treas. ; P. A. Krodel,
Rec. ; George F. Rathvon, Christian Hershey, D. D.
Upp, Jacob Z. HofFer, and Franklin Henkle.
John A. Slade is the present M. P. S., and A. J.
Kauffman, Recorder. The last nameil has held the
position of Grand Sovereign of Pennsylvania.
Assembly No. 20, A. 0. M. P., was instituted in
December, 187o, with A. J. Kauffman, Master Arti-
san ; Jolin A. Slade, Superintendent; A.J. Musser,
Inspector ; S. A. Bockius, Recorder ; J. L. Pinkerton,
Cashier; Dr. Alexander Craig, Medical Examiner;
Christian Hershey, Hugh Donnelly, A. R. Hogen-
dobler, Daniel C. Wann, John B. Eshluman, Abram
G. Guiles, Samuel Filbert, Rev. John McCoy, Henry
Hippey, John E. Metzger, Jlilton Wike, Samuel S.
Klair, Edward H. Staman, H. H. Heise, Henry Nolte,
S. H. Miller, Frederick Bucher, Hiram Wilson, H.F.
Bruner, H, S. Hershey, Dr. J. K. Lineaweaver,
David Hanover, Abram Bruner, John C. Clark, Ed-
ward S. Stair, Cyrus Bruner, John Sternberger, Fred-
erick Bruner, Jacob A. May, Charles D. May, Jacob
Bruner, George C. Haldeman,'Dr. W. G. Taylor, W.
Hayes Grier, John U Devlin, H. C. Sprout, and
William B. Foesig as charter members.
The Past Master Artisans are A. J. Kauffman,
John A. Slade, H. A. Musser, John B. E^hlemaii,
D. C. Wann, A. R. Hogendobler, Cyrus Bruner,
Jacob Bahn. The present officers are F. P. D. Jliller,
M. A. ; Jacob Smith, S. ; H. F. Yergy, I. ; D. C.
Wann, R. ; H. S. Hershey, Cashier; Dr. J. R. Line-
aweaver, Med. Ex. The present membership is forty-
nine. No death has occurred among the members of
this Assembly. The funds of the Assembly amount
to fifteen hundred dollars.
Pennsylvania Castle, No. 76, R. 0. of the K. of
j the M. C, was organized in October, 1874, with
Thomas Jackson, chaplain; A. N. Wilson, Sir Kt.
Commander; William Redman, Sir Kt. Vice-Com-
mander; John Letz, Sir Kt. First Lieutenant; H. C.
Sprout, Sir Kt. Recording Scribe; George Hardnail,
j Sir Kt. Assistant Recording Scribe; John P. Hall,
[ Sir Kt. Financial Scribe; Sir Kt. Treasurer, Samuel
I Bruckart; Sir Kt. Inside Guard, Henry Heiser ; Sir
Kt. Outside Guard, James I. McEnnis; Sir Kt. Past
Commanders, James I. McEnnis, James Hardnail,
and John H. Bletz, and thirty-seven other charter
members.
The castle has enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity,
and it now numbers one hundred and ten knights.
The present otBcers are B. F. Mann, Sir Kt. Com-
mander; Detwiler, Sir Kt. Vice-Commander;
William Trapnell, Sir Kt. First Lieutenant; Simon
Gramm, Chaplain ; W. G. Taylor, Sir Kt. Treasurer;
E. K. Getz, Sir Kt. Recording Scribe; J. G. Paine,
Sir Kt. Assistant Recording Scribe; A. J. Hogen-
togler. Sir Kt. Inside Guard ; Adam Eag\e, Sir Kt,
Outside Guard ; Philip Clark, J. S. Purple, and
Diffenderfer, Trustees. The Past Commanders are
S. J. Ashton, Tobias Manning, A. J. Hogentogler, D.
R. Rattew, E. K. Getz, Uriah Sourbeer, Jacob Wi- ;
E>ifrenderfer, A. G. Lindsey, Ja
I. Me-
i »ier,
I Ennis.
I Conestoga Lodge, No. 463, Knights of Pythias,
j was organized March 1;"), IsSO, with the tbilowing
charter members: J. F. Jletzger, Frederick Thumra,
Jcdin Weber, Frederick Abendschein, Frederick
' Brumer, William Buchholz, H. Beinhauer, D. Yung,
Christian Metzger, Christian Ladenburger.
The first officers were Ch. C, J. F. Jletzger; V.
Ch., J. Niclaus; Prelate, W. Buchholz; Master at'
Arms, J. Weber; K. R. and S., Christian Jletzger;
Treas., F. Thumm; M. of Ex., D. Yung; I. G., H.
Bierhauer'; 0. G., Christian Ladenburger.
The presiding officers were J. F. Metzger, J. Nic-
laus, N. Bushhoiz, John Weber, St. Riihl, Ed. G. Col-
lin, J. Ehman.
The present officers are : Ch. C, L. Schuler ; V. Ch.,
J. Henzf Prelate, V. Xucnzor; JI. A., Charles Rci-
j ner; K. R. and S., W. G. Duttenhofer ; Treas., F.
Thumm; Exec, Christ. Ladenburger; I. G., F. Stoll;
! O.G., J.Weber; Trustees, AVilliam Harm, F. Aliend-
I schein, William Buchholz. The numlier of members
I is seventy-three.
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
Gen. Welsh Post, No. 118, G. A. R., .it Columbia,
was organized and inu^tc-ix'd .Maa-li 21, 1SG8. It is
named in honor o( lirig.-Gun. Thomas Welsh, a dis-
tinguished soldier, who served through the Jlexican
war and in the war of the liebellion. His military
history is given elsewhere. He was severely wounded
at Uuena Vi^jta, and his leg was saved from amputa-
tion by Dr. Blanton, after whom his only son, Blan-
ton, was subsequently named. The latter is a gradu-
ate of West Point Military Academy, and a lieutenant
of the Fifteenth United States Infantry. Gen. Welsh
organized the Forty-fifth Eegiujent of Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and was subsequently promoted to briga-
dier-general. His lieutenant-colonel was James A.
Heaver, afterwards also a distinguished brigadier-
general.
Gen. Welsh Post is one of the strongest, numeri-
cally and financially, and one of the best organized
and successfully conducted posts in the interior of the
State. Its muster-roll contains nearly three hundred
names, comprising many of the leading citizens of
Columbia, including merchants, members of the dif-
ferent professions, skilled mechanics, ntinieroiis em-
ployes and officers of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company, and farmers from the suburban districts.
It is an organization which very fairly rejiresents the
character, patriotism, and intelligence of our citizen
soldiery, commanding the respect and enjoying the
confidence and sympathy of the community.
The post controls a beautiful plot of ground in
Mount Bethel Cemetery, where soldiers, dying with-,
out friends, are buried. It annually observes Memo-
rial D.ay with solemn and appropriate services. The
post owns a valuable sciopticon and dissolving views,
used in the illustration of its ritual ; has a large and
well-organized drum corps, and is now negotiating
for a more convenient and suitable post-room.
The Past Commanders are Henry Mullen, the pres-
ent postmaster; J. F. Cottrell, JI.D. ; J. F. Frueauf}',
attorney-at-law ; W. Hayes Grier, Esq., editor of The
Columbia Herald; J. W. Yocum, ICsq., editor of The
Cohtinbia Spy ; and Edward A. Becker, Esq.
Putnam Circle, No. 113, B. U. H. F., w.as organ-
ized Feb. 10, 1875, with Peter IngroflT, P. E. M. ; John
Stickler, E. M. ; Samuel G. Sheaffer, C. M. ; Henry
Apply, C. J. ; James G. Richardson, H. R. ; William
Maple, H. Treas. ; George Maple, H. S. K. ; Orthneel
Geiger, C. F. ; Jacob Gohn, U. D. ; Townsend Stone,
U. N. The present officers are Joseph Shartzer,
E. JI. ; Wayne Leighteiser, C. M. ; Henry Nultv,
C. J.; A. N.'Eshleman, C. F. ; John Jleimer, H. H.;
E. K. Getz, H. S. K. ; A. L. Yountz, H. R. ; John
Temple, H. T. i Elias Ulmer, U. I).; George O.
Fisher, U. N. The niembcrshi[) is sixty-two.
Eiverside Home Circle, No. 27, was organized
April 23, 1877, with the following officers: Annie
Lindsey, P. G. ; A. G. Lindsey, G. ;'Mary Anderson,
P. \\. 6. T.; Henry Ap|dey, Propliet; Annie Smith,
Prophetess; Jacob R. Golin, Prir>l ; .Mary .Scluilk,
I Priestess ; E. K. Getz, H. S. R. ; Amanda Kirk, H. R. ;
I John M. Eberley, Treas. ; Eliza Goodman, U. D. ;
I Sarah Fisher, U. N. The present officers are Carrie
Swartz, P. G.; Jane Hippey, G. ; Sarah Long, P.;
' Lydia Fonwalt, Prophet; J. Hilliar, Prophetess;
Mary Yountz, Priest; Mary E. Hoffman, Priestess;
E. K. Getz, H. S. K. ; A, L. Yountz, H. P.; L. P.
[ Metzger,II.T.; Annie Kcesev, U. 1). ; Mary P.altzlev,
U. N.
i The Opera-House.— The erection of a new public
hall was first discussed in Council, March 18, 1870,
on a proposition from the Masonic Hall Association
to purchase or lease for that purpose the borough lot
at the corner of Third and Locust Streets. Three
'days after a special meeting of Council was held to
consider the proposition, when it was agreed to obtain
legislation to authorize the borough to borrow forty
thousand dollars to build a hall, if approved by a vote
' of the peo]ile. The election for that purpose was held
April 9, 1870, when four hundred and ninety-three
votes were polled for, and fifty-five against, a new town
hall. Plans for the hall were submitted May 28tli, a
j building committee appointed; proposals invited.
They were found to be so high that they were referred
back to the committee and architect for revision, and
were never considered again. In 1871, the hall pro-
ject was revived.
In 1873, at an adjourned meeting held May 30th,
j it was resolved, " that the Borough Council jiroceed
to erect an additional market-house and town hall
combined." At the same meeting a building com-
mittee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Bachman,
I Kauffman, Detwiler, Craig, and Steacy. On August
j ISth, of the plans submitteil, that of E. F. Durang
1 was adopted. Septendier 10th ground was broken by
' Chief Burgess Shenberger. September 18th the work
' of tearing down the old town hall was commenced.
, The foundation walls for the new structure were com-
I pleted during the autumn, and carefully jirotected
I against the exposures of winter.
Feb. 24, 1874, the contract for the building, exclu-
sive of clock, bell, stage, and auditorium furniture,
upholstering, heating apparatus, gas fixtures, etc.,
was awarded to Michael Liphart, being the lowest
j bidder, at fifty-four thousand three hundred dollars.
1 The building committee of 1873 was continued, Mr.
1 Haldeman having succeeded Jlr. Detwiler, whose
term had expired. In 1875, the terms of Messrs.
' Craig and Steacy having expired, IMessrs. McClure
and Wolfe were appointed to succeed them. E. W.
1 Goerke, C. E., was employed as superintendent. Mr.
Liphart died Jan. 80, 1875, and his contract was com-
pleted by his sureties, Messrs. \. P.rnner and E.
Hershey. Tli'e bell in the tower was us.d lor the fir-t
time after it was hung in tolling his sad tiuieral notes.
The Opera-House cost $85,824.15. It was formally
opened by the Mendelssohn Quintette Club of Boston,
on Tuesday evening, Aug. 24, 1875, in the presence
of over seven hundred people. 15efore the concert a
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
short dedicatory address was delivered by H. M.
North, Esq.
Prominent Families and Individuals.— Robert
Barber was bora in England. He was bound to
his uncle, Robert Barber, to learn the "art and
■ mystery of cordwaining." They came to Chester in
the latter part of the seventeenth century. In the
summer or fall of 1708, Robert Barber died, leaving
no issue. His estate was large for that time. He de-
vised to his nephew, the subject of this, sketch, who
was then living with him and had not attained his
majority, its largest portion. When he became of
age he decided to follow a seafaring life. He was
taken by the French and thrown into prison in France,
and when lie was released he returned to Chester. He
and his uncle were Quakers, and it is probable that
the experience he had while in a French prison, and
a prospect of being recaptured by French privateers
if he continued to follow a maritime life, diverted
his mind from what seemed to be a vocation of much
peril to a more peaceful one, and he concluded to
settle in Chester. He had an active mind, which was
well developed, a body healthy and vigorous, capable
of enduring hardsiiips.
He married Hannah Tidmarsh, of Philadelphia, a
member of the Society of Friends, and a person en-
dowed with great energy and a mind of more than
ordinary character. In the year 1719 he was a candi-
date for sheriff of Cheater County, but was beaten by
Nicholas Fairlamb. In the fall of 1721 he ran for
coroner in the same county, and was elected. In the
year 1724 he was elected a member of the Hoard of
County Assessors.
When this county was organized he was appointed
sheriff', and at the general election in October, 1729,
he was chosen to the same office by the people.
He was ambitious to secure the location of the
county-seat upon his farm, and at his own expense he
erected a temporary log jail in front of his dwelling,
which stood where is now the garden of Jacob S.
iStoner, the present owner of the premises. This jail
is known in history as the place where Sir James
Annesly was confined. Until the county-seat was
jiermanently located where it now is, Mr. Barber did
not give up all hope of getting it upon his land. It
caused him some anxiety, and when lie bbcame as-
sured that he could not succeed he was greatly disap-
pointed.
In the fall of 1730 he declined to be a candidate
for sheriff, and he returned to his farm and private
life. He built a saw-mill in the meadow soutli of his
dwelling, to which he gave attention. There were
but a few acres under cultivation, which was barely
sutlicient to provide grain enough to support his fam-
ily and feed liis stock. He had a very large family,
and it required his best energies to provide for them.
He was elected county commiasioner for the years
1740-41. He took an active part in bi.
Penns during " Cresap'a war."
the
Robert Barber died in the year 1749, aged about
fifty -seven years. He left a widow, Hannah, and ten
children, namely: John, was "read out" of the So-
ciety of Friends in 1755 for " marrying out." He was
killed -by the Indians at the Ohio while trading.
Robert, who married, Sept. 26, 1746, Sarah, daughter
of Samuel Taylor; Thomas, who died in his minority;
Nathaniel, who settled where his father built his man-
sion, and retained a portion of the land. He died in
the spring of 1804, leaving five children. Elizabeth,
who died in her minority; James, married; Samuel;
Eleanor, who married John Wright, Jr. ; Mary, and
Sarah.
The second generation of Barbers gradually left the
Society of Friends, and we find that there were several
members of the third generation who entered the
Revolutionary army and served their country faith-
fully.
Samuel Blunston was the son of John Blunston and
Sarah, who came from Hallam, in the county of Derby,
England, in 1682. He was a minister of the Society of
Friends, a warm personal friend of William Penn, anci
a member of his Council. He was also a member of
Assembly. He died in 1723, and his wife, Sarah, died
Oct. 4, 1692. Their children were John (1685-1716),
Samuel, Joseph (1691-92), and Hannah, who mar-
ried Thomas Pearson, of Kingsessing.
Samuel Blunston was born Sept. 2, 1689, at Darby,
Chester Co., Pa. He married, June 4, 1718, Sarah
Bilton, the widow of Bilton, who kept a ferry
over the Schuylkill. He studied land-surveying. He
had considerable means of his own when he married
which was largely increased by his wife's fortune.
She had no children by her first husband, nor did
she bring any to her second one. They came to the
Susquehanna in the fall of 1726. She lived but i
few years after coining here. He was appointed hy
Peter Evans, the register-general of wills, deputy reg-
ister of the county, on the 2d day of August, 1729,
When the county was organized he was appointed ona
of the justices, although he was in commission as a jui'
tice from Chester County previous to thii,t time. He
was not recognized as a strict member of the Society
of Friends after he came to the Susquehanna, and hii
name does not appear upon the minutes of th(
Quarterly or Monthly Meeting records. He wi
generous liver, and entertained a great deal of com
pany. Thomas Penn was at his house in 1736, am
Logan and other prominent officials were there fr»
(juently. He was elected a member of the Genen
Assembly in 1732, 1741, 1742, and 1744. He and h:
life-long friend, John Wright, stood up maMfiill]
whi?n in the Legislature and o|)posed Governc
Thomas in his arbitrary measures.
When the court-hou.se and jail were built, he ws
frequently consulted about their erection, and h
seems to have had a general supervision of the worl
In 1732, when troubles commenced between the Mar;
landers and Pennsylvanians, in Conagohela Vallej
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
583
four miles ^)elo\v Wrightsville, to the day the former
struck their flag and left tlie soil of Pennsylvania
forever, he was untiring in his eftorts to bring the
freebooters to justice. He employed Benjamin Cham-
bers (the founder of Chambersburg) to go to the en-
emy's cam]) in Maryland and discover their designs.
Although captured, he escaped and reported to Mr.
Blunston the true state of affairs. He was sent to
Donegal, where the Scotch-Irish had a house-raising.
They stopped their work and gathered up what fire-
arms they had, and hastened to the west side of
Wright's Ferry, and just arrived in time to give the
Marylanders a warm reception. For the time being
a conflict was prevented.
After all of the German settlers in the valley had
either joined the enemy or fled to the east side of the
river, a large force was collected and placed in the
Fej-ry-House on the west side of the river for defense.
Mr. Blunston at his own expense kept a large num-
ber of men there. Governor Ogle, of Maryland, of-
fered a reward of one hundred ])ounds fur his head,
and they actually arranged a plan to capture him
wheu returning from the funeral of the wife of the
Rev. James Anderson, at Donegal, in 1736. He be-
came aware of their plans, and avoided the trap they
had laid for him. About this time he became very
much discouraged in consequence of the dilatory
actions of t!ie Governor and his Council. He saw the
danger to the interests of the proprietors by delay,
and knew the necessity for prompt action. He sent
frequent messengers to the Governor, with letters
couched in caustic and bitter terms, that must have
had a salutary effect upon the mind of the Governor
and his friends. On the 3d day of April, 1730, he
WHS appointed deputy surveyor for the townships of
" Derry, Hempfield, Dunnegal, and Lebanon." At the
same time he, in behalf of the inhabitants of these
townships, presented a scheme for api)easing the
"tumults and animosities among them," which was
adopted, and it put an end to the troubles about
the titles to their land. He had a large field to
cover, and the duties which called him there were
very exacting. But for the assistance of that re-
markable person, Susannah Wright, who copied and
assisted him in his writing, he could not have ac-
complished successfully the work he did. His health
became greatly impaired, and in the summer of 1746
he was compelled to give up all out-door work. He
died in September, 1746. He left no issue, and he
gave his valued friend, Susannah Wright, a life estate
in all his large property, wdiich consisted of nearly
nine hundred acres of land. He made several bequests,
among which was one to the poor of the county.
Ho owned a number of slaves, and gave them their
freedom at'ter a term of a few years.
John Wright was born in Lancashire, England,
about the year 1667. He came to Chester in tlie year
1714. He was a public speaker among tlie Quakers,
and he came recommended from that society in Eng-
land. He was not long in Chester before he was
elected to the General Assembly, and was also ap-
pointed a justice of the peace. Before he came to
the Susquehanna he had been at Conestoga, where
he preached to the Indians. He may have gone up
as far as Shawanese Run, where that tribe had a
village, and thus became acquainted with the locality
where he subsequently settled. Robert Barber went
in advance, and the first survey was made in his
I name, and he conveyed to John W^right in August,
1726, one hundred and fifty acres.
I He built his dwelling upon a level spot of ground
I fronting the river. This dwelling was torn down in
I 1874 to give place to a more stately brick mansion of
modern times. The logs used in its construction were
hickory, white and Spanish oak, and a number of
1 black walnut. The dwelling, as first constructed,
! seems to have contained but one room upon the first
1 story and one upon the second.
In the year 1729, Jcdin Wright was elected to a
I seat in the General Assembly, and re-elected in the
1 years 1730 and 1731 without opposition. He was
I again a candidate in 1732. Accidentally or otherwise
John Wright's name was omitted from some of the
I ballots and another name inserted in its stead, which
1 caused his defeat by half a dozen votes. He carried
j the contest to the General Assembly, but was again
beaten. George Stewart, who resided in Donegal,
was elected to the General Assembly in the same
year, but he died before' taking his seat, and John
Wright was elected without opposition to fill the
vacancy. Jle was re-elected for seventeen successive
terms thereafter, and on Oct. lo, 1745, he was elected
Speaker of the General Assembly.
George Thomas was appointed Governor in 1738.
Almost from the commencement of his administra-
tion he undertook to carry measures through the
General Assembly of an arbitrary character which
were in direct opposition to the policy of that body.
Among the number of those who led the opposition
was John Wright, whose integrity stood the test of
all the cajolery or threats the Governor and his friends
could bring to bear. The replies of the Assembly
through their Speaker, who presented addresses to
the Governor in answer to his niessages to that body,
displayed great ability. Governor Thomas became
so enraged at Wright and others for their opposition
that he determined to punish them for their temerity.
He announced that he would issue new commissions
of the peace in place of those held by Wright and
other recusant members of the Assembly. This was
intended as a threat to coerce them into his measures.
In the year 1733-34 he was appointed a loan com-
missioner, one of the most important positions of
! trust in the jirovince. During the jjeriod of Cresap's
I war, which lasted three years, the farm which he had
bought upon the western side of the river was fre-
' (|ueiitly run over liy bands of hostile Marylanders.
I His tenants and laburiu'' men were often driven
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
There '
.eemed ,
;ed up
V one.
"ju.lg.
and it
atten-
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e view
kness. ■
eisure
umber
iOgnn,
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calcu-
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eggs,
-) pre-
ill re-
ames.
;canie
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584
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
away. In the month of July, 1735, when he was
having a field of wheat reaped, Thomas Cresap, with
about twenty persons, armed with guns, swords,
pistols, and blunderbusses, marched into the field
with drum beating. This military display was not
very iniijosing, but it was calculated to terrify and
drive away from his land a farmer who was opposed
to the use of personal force to resist it. Wright
walked to the valiant warrior, Cresap, and demanded
to know what he meant by appearing in so hostile a
manner to the terror of His Majesty's peaceable sub-
jects employed about the lawful and necessary busi-
ness of husbandry. Cresap replied that lie came to
fight several persons who came over the river, if
they would accept his challenge. He drew his sword
and cocked his pistol, and presented them at the
person of Mr. Wright, who very coolly commanded
Cresap and his company to keep His Majesty's peace,
and that he would proceed on his lawful
Cresap brought a number of wagons wi
carry oft" Wright's grain. He changed his mind when
he discovered that he could not intimidate him, and
he and his men retreated, leaving the wagons in the
field in charge of the owners, who could not resist
the persuasive powers of Mr. Wright. They assisted
to put the grain upon their own wagons, and hauled it
to the ferry, where it was placed in boats and taken
to the eastern side of the river.
Governor Ogle, of Maryland, afterwards offered
one hundred pounds rewaAl for Mr. Wright's head.
He held many conferences with different Indian
tribes, and sometimes made long journeys on horse-
back to meet them. He was afflicted with rheuma-
tism, which often confined him to his bed. He mar-
ried Susannah Crewason. They had five children,^
Susannah, Patience, John, Elizabeth, and James.
Susannah was born in England. When her parents
removed to America she was at school, where she re-
mained and finished her education, and followed her
parents a few years after they left England. Although
she was a member of the Society of Friends, promi-
nent persons of birth, education, and culture sought
her society. She was brilliant in conversation and
endowed with an extraordinary mind. She could
not have been a strict follower of George Fox in all
things, or she would have devoted herself .toitjie min-
istry. After the death of her mother, which took
place shortly after her arrival at Chester, she became
the ruling spirit in her father's family.
Many of the leading men of the province sought
her company, whom she entertained and edified with
her conversation. Of this number there was but one
young Quaker who made an impression upon her
hciirt, and that person was Samuel Blunston, who
married another. After the decease of the latter
their old friendship and love for each other was re-
newed and they became inseparable friends. They
did not marry, probably for the reason that she liad
entire charge of her father's affairs and her younger
brother, to whom she was much attached. There
were but a few families settled here, but all seemed
to belong to one family, and all of them looked up
to Iter as the ruling spirit in the neighborhood.
In business affairs she was consulted by every one.
She could draw up any legal paper, and her judg-
ment upon ordinary legal matters was sound, and it
was safe to follow her advice. She gave her atten-
tion also to the study of medicine, and probably read
the few medical books she could find, with the view
of being better equipped to fight against sickness.
She had some taste for painting, and in her leisure
moments from other pursuits she painted a number
of landscape scenes. She corresponded with liOgan,
Benjamin Franklin, and other leading men in the
province and in England upon matters best calcu-
lated to elevate the race.
She was one of the first persons in America. to
1 business, r demonstrate the fact that the climate was adapted to
th him to the culture of silk. She procured silk-worm eggs,
from which she raised a large number of the worms.
She sent the raw silk to Europe and had it woven into
manilla. One piece alone measured sixty yards, a
portion of which she gave to the queen, who pre-'
senled her with a silver tankard, which is still re-
tained among the descendants of her brother James.
Benjamin Franklin, who was then in France, became
greatly interested in this experiment of silk culture
in his adopted province of Pennsylvania, and he
wrote to Miss Wright upon the subject, and called
the attention of a number of leading men in England
to the matter. There are a few specimens of this
silk now in the rooms of the Historical Society.
Samuel Blunston gave her a life estate in his prop-
erty, and after his death she and her father and
brother, James, removed to the Blunston mansion.
Patience Wright was also born in England. She
married Richard Loudon on the 5th of June, ITliS,
at the dwelling of Samuel Blunston. He purchased
a farm in Strasburg township in 1727, adjoining the
lands of Samuel Taylor. When the county was or-
ganized and the permanent county-seat located where
it now is he was appointed keeper of the prison. Mr.
Loudon purchased a farm in Manlieim township and
a small tract near GratT's landing.
Col. John Loudon, son of Richard and Patience
(Wright), became a distinguished oflicer in the Revo-
lutionary war, and was in a number of battles. At
the close of the war he located in Buffalo Valley, on
the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
John Wright married Eleanor Barber, daughter of
Robert Barber, the first sheriff of the county. He I
settled upon his father's land on the west side of the
river," and built the ferVy-liouso thorp. He was a
member of the General Assembly from York County
for a number of years, and held other positions of
trust in that county.
Elizabeth Wright married Samuel Taylor on the
8th day of May, 1728, at the house of Samuel Blun-
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
585
I
8ton, Esq. Samuel Taylor was the son of Christopher
Tayh)r. He came from " Tinicum" to this county
in the year 172S, and purchased land in Strasburg
township near the Bart township line, where he
erected a grist- and saw-mill upon a branch of Beaver
Creek.
James Wright was born in Chester in the year 1714
or 1715, and was the only one of John Wright's chil-
dren born in America. About the year 1738, he, in
connection with Samuel Blunston, erected a corn- and
grist-mill near the mouth of Shawanese Run. He
married out of the Society of Friends. About the
same time he erected the stone mansion now along
Second Street, between Locust and Cherry Streets,
known thereafter as " Wright's Ferry Mansion," and
was on land attached to the ferry-house. He at once
took a front rank among the leading men of the
county. He was elected a member of the General
Assembly in 1745, and continued to serve in that body
until the year 1771. He and his father and brother,
John, were members of tliat body at one and the same
lime. It was an unusual circumstance for three mem-
bers of the same family to serve so many years to-
gether in a legislative body. Through all the turmoil,
excitement, and bitterness which grew out of the
French and Indian war of 1755-60, and Pontiac's
war of 1763, which was followed by the destruction
of the Conestoga Indians, but few Quakers could face
the storm which followed them into the General As-
sembly and drove a number of them out. James
Wright rode safely through it all, and this fact alone
speaks in favor of his prudence, judgment, and in-
tegrity. He served on many important committees,
and was intrusted with matters which required sound
judgment and tact to prevent Indian outbreaks.
During the campaign of Gen. Forbes against the
French and Indians, in 1758, several battalions of
troops raised in the eastern part of this province and
elsewhere, numbering twelve hundred, marched as
far as Lancaster, but refused to go any farther unless
they received more rations. James Wright came
forward and agreed to provide for the troops until
they arrived at Harris' Ferry, about two days'
march farther west. Tliey then moved promptly.
In this connection it is well to mention that these
pioneer Quakers who settled at the Susquehanna
were a law unto themselves, and for many years
refused to have anything to do with the Yearly or
Quarterly Meetings of Friends elsewhere. James
Wright was married (2d), July 2, 1753, to Rhoda
Patterson. Their children were Samuel, Elizabeth
(who married Col. Thomas Boude), John, Thomas,
Susnnniih, James, William, and Patience (who mar-
ried Dr. Vincent King).
Muj. Tliomas Boude was the son of Dr. Samuel
Boude, of Lancaster, who married Mary, the daughter
of Samuel Bethel, menlioned-elsewhere. lie and liis
family were E[)isc(Tpaliaiis. Bel'orc he attained liis
majority he showed a fondness for military matters,
and when the conflict between Great Britain and the
colonies came, he and his brothers were ainong the
first to enter the Continental service and march
to tlje from. He entered the army as a lieutenant
under command of Gen. Anthony Wayne. He was
in the brTUiant action at the taking of Stony Point,
on the Hudson, and was in command of one of the
volunteer squads of twenty called the "forlorn hope,"
and would have been the first person to enter the
sally port-holes but for the fact that a much larger
and more powerful person at his side pulled him back
and forced himself in front. After the capture of the
fort, Lieut. Boude found in an officer's room a watch,
which is now in possession of his descendants. For
gallant conduct u|)on this occasion he was promoted
to a captaincy, and afterwards to major. He com-
manded a body of Light Troops at Gen. Washington's
headquarters, and was also a member of his staff.
He was in a number of battles, and acquitted himself
with honor. He was one of the original members of
the Society of the Cincinnati, iind was appointed
general of militia by Governor Thomas Mifflin. He
married Elizabeth Wright, daughter of James
Wright. They had one child, Elizabeth, who never
married. He was married the second time to Emily,
daughter of Col. Samuel John Atlee, a distinguished
officer of the Revolutionary war, by wliom he had
four children, — Mary, Sarah, Samuel, and Washing-
ton.
Col. Thoitias Boude, at the close of the Revolution,
removed to Heinpfield township, and lived upon the
farm belonging to his first wife, and now owned by
B. Musser. When his brother-in-law, Samuel Wright,
laid out the town of Columbia, he purchased a num-
ber of lots, among which were several fronting the
river above Walnut Street. He erected the brick
mansion now owned by Michael S. Shumau. He
embarked in the lumber business, and was one of
the first persons who bought lumber and piled it
along the shore to resell. He was a Federalist, and
took a prominent part in building up that party.
He was elected a member of the State Legislature for
the years 1794, 1795, and 1796. He also represented
the county in Congress from 1801 to 1803. He was
again a candidate for Congress on the Federal ticket,
but was defeated by John Whitehill. The Federal
party was losing ground rapidly, and when the par-
ties were nearly equal in numbers the political cam-
paigns were carried on with great bitterness. William
Hamilton published the Federal newspaper, and
William and Robert Dixon published the Jeifersfm
paper which opposed the Federalists. After the de-
feat of Major Boude, in 1804, Hamilton charged the
opposition with cheating at the election-poll held in
Elizabethtown, where a number of Irish laboicrs,
who were working on the new turnpike at that place,
were induced to vote more than once, when they had
no legal right to vote at all. In reply to this charge
the Dixons charged Maj. Boude with voting livicc in
I M
586
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Lancaster borough, to which place the voters in
Columbia and Hempfield had to go to vote.
Maj. Boude had the Dixons arrested for libel.
They gave bail, and before the case was tried the pro-
ceedings were removed from the County Court by
certiorari to the Circuit Court. This was probably
the last of the ca.se.
Maj. Boude became totally blind some years before
his decease, which took place Oct. 24, 1822, in the
seventieth year of his age.
Samuel, son of S. Bethel, son of Samuel and Susan
(Taylor) Bethel, married Sarah Hand, a daughter of
Gen. Edward Hand, of Lancaster. He was educated
in the city of Philadelphia, with the expectation that
he would enter the medical profession. But he pre-
ferred that of the law. He studied law in Pliiladel-
phia, and was admitted to practice at the bar in that
place. In the year 1795 he was admitted to the bar
in Lanca.ster on certificate. He did not remain there,
but came to Columbia and settled upon his estate,
which was very large, and required his whole at-
tention. (This estate was inherited by his grand-
mother, Sarah Bethel, and Hannah Pearson, from
their brother, Samuel Blunston. Mrs. Pearson sold
]ier interest to the Bethels, who became the sole own-
ers of nearly nine hundred acres.) He was elected
to a seat in the State Legislature for the years 1808
and 1809. He was fond of literature, and had a large
and select library. He was considered one of the best
mathematicians in the State. He was one of the fore-
most and most liberal patrons of the schools and li-
braries in Columbia, of which mention is made else-
where. He built an addition to the Blunston mansion,
now owned by his nephew, Samuel Bethel Heise, at
the northern terminus of Second Street. Here he
resided and here he died in the year 1819.
William P. Beatty was born at Neshaminy, Bucks
Co., JIarch 31, 1766. His parents were Rev. Charles
Beatty (of Log College memory) and Ann Reading,
daughter of Governor Reading, of New Jersey.
Both of his parents died before he was six years of
age. He was apprenticed to the tailoring business.
While thus engaged he devoted his leisure moments
to the study of books, and when he attained his ma-
jority he wrote an elegant hand and displayed an
aptitude for figures. ii ,
These qualifications prompted him to go to Phila-
delphia, and obtain a clerkship, with the expectation
of making himself familiar with mercantile pursuits,
whicli these attainments seemed to indicate that he
was best qualified for.
In 1793 we find him engaged in the office of Mr.
Nicliolson,. the Comptroller of the State.
In 1798 he removed to Columbia, and opened a
store on Front, between Locust and Walnut Streets,
in connection with Richard S. Leech. He married
in 1799. In 1802 he was appomted postmaster under
Jolin Adams' administration, and retained this posi-
tion until 1807. In 1808 he was appointed a justice of
the peace by Governor Thomas McKean. In 1810 he
was appointed secretary and treasurer of the " Susque-
hanna Lottery Improvement Company," and in the fol-
lowinS; year treasurer of the " Susquehanna and York
Turnjiike Road Company," and two or three years sub-
sequent to this time he was appointed treasurer of the
'• Columbia Bridge Company." In the year 1813 this
company was given power by an act of Assembly to do
a banking business, and he was chosen their cashier,
a position he retained until the year 1821. He held
the position of chief burgess and also treasurer of the
water company for several years. In the year 1825
he was reappointed postmaster by John Quincy
Adams, President of the United States, a position he
retained until the year 1837. He was a ruling elder
of the Presbyterian Church for many years. There
were many minor offices of trust which he held, not
mentioned in the above list. In personal appear-
ance he was tall, stately, and dignified in his carriage,
and always wore a queue.
He removed to Harrisburg in the year 1843, and
died at Philadelphia at his son's (Dr. George) home,
July 28, 1848, in his eighty-thirdyear. He left sur-
viving him, —
Dr. George, who is now living in Philadelphia.
William P., who died at Harrisburg in 1S6U.
John R., who died at Harrisburg in 18G6.
Ann Eliza, who married Thomas H. Pearce, who
was an officer in the Mexican war of 1846. He
resided for some years in Columbia, and held a
clerkship in the collector's otfice at the canal basin.
He died at Steubenville, Ohio, wliere his widow is
living.
Ercurius, who learned the printing business in the
Spy office while John L. Boswell published the
paper. On the 21st day of April, 1861, he enlisted
in Capt. Robert M. Henderson's company, which was
connected with the Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves,
and was made lieutenant. He was on Gen. McCall's
staff at Tennallytown and Camp Pierpont, Virginia;
was wounded at Charles City Cross- Roads June 30,
1862, and was promoted to first lieutenant and cap-
tain Sept. 17, 1862, aud to brevet major and brevet
lieutenant-colonel.
Michael Whisler was born near the Trappe, in
Montgomery County, Pa., in the year 1756. In the
month of May, 1776, he enlisted for twenty months
in Capt. Henry Christ's rifle company, in Col. Samuel
Miles' rifle regiment. He was in the battles of Flat-
bush, on Long Island, where but one-fifth of Col.
Miles' command escaped ; at White Plains, at Trenton,
Princeton, Brandy wine, and Germantown, and dis-
charged at Valley Forge on the 1st day of January,
1778. He was twice wounded in thc-o battles.
He enlisted and marched to the western part of the
State with the army raised to quell the Whiskey In-
surrection. When the troops lay at Wright's Ferry
waiting to be taken over the river, he was impressed
with the beautiful scenery all around and the location
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
587
I
i
■^ f
*
of the town, and he concluded as soon as he returned
from the army to bring his family to the place and
locate.
■ One of the most pressing wants iu the place
was a person who understood the manufacture of
bricks. He brought his family to Columbia in the
same year and purchased a lot from Sanvuel Wright,
upon which he erected a dwelling. By trade he was
a shoemaker, but he also knew how to manutacture
bricks. He leased a meadow along the northern
boundary of Columbia from the Barbers, where he
established a brick-yard, and for more than eiglity
years brick have been burned at this place which are
esteemed the most durable of any manufactured in the
State. His son, Lewis Whisler, purchased the brick-
yard and farm, and they are now owned by his son
Henry.
He died Sept. 14, 1824, leaving a wife, Sophia
(Herbel), and children, — Lewis, John, Kitty, who
married William Christy; Magdalena, Peggy, who
married Samuel May; Sally, who married Ezra
Breece ; Philip, Nancy, who married Jacob Mathiot,
and Michael.
Joseph Pool was a captain iji the Revolutionary
army, and participated in a number of battles. He
was at the battle of Brandywine, and when on duty
a British soldier thrust 'a bayonet through his tent
which wounded his wife, the marks of which she
carried to her grave. They removed to Columbia
eighty years ago. He rented the old " Ferry House,"
where he kept a store for a few years. They removed
to the corner of Walnut and Third Streets. Their
Bnn, Joseph, accidentally slujt Jli^s Susanna Cook-
man and killed her.
Francis Ottomar Zeigler, a native of France, in the
year 1777 joined an expedition under Baron De
Steuben, and came to this country as aide-de-camp
to that officer, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
The detachment of troops landed from the frigate
"Le Flamand," at Portsmouth, N. IL, and from
I thence marched to York, Pa., where they were duly
mustered into the army, and the officers commis-
sioned by order of Congress. Col. Zeigler partici-
pated in a number of battles. After the war was
ended he settled in Lancaster, where he followed the
business of whitesmithing. I
While in that place lie married Mary Frances Hook
(or Huck, as the name was spelled at that time), and
shortly thereafter removed to Baltimore, Md., where
their children were born. In 1798 they returned to
Lancaster, and from thence to Columbia in 1800,
where he purchased a lot on Front Street, about mid-
wny between Walnut Street and the Pennsylvania
Kailroiid round-iiouse. Before getting possession of
this property he occupied a log house on tiie same
street, a short distance from Walnut, where he took
malarial fever and died in'the autumn of that year.
He left five children, namely, Ann Mary, who after-
wards married Tempest Wilson (who kept a tavern in
Martic township, from which place he removed to
Wright's Ferry, and rented the tavern and ferry upon
the western side of the river); John, who died in
1836; George, who died in 1838; Barbara, who mar-
ried John Arms; and Andrew, who died in 1818.
The widow of Col. Zeigler carried on a bakery lor
many years. She died Dec. 2G, 1825.
There were several other Revolutionary soldiers in
Columbia, concerning whom full biographical data
cannot be obtained.'
Evan Green was born near Quakertown, Bucks
Co., Pa., in 1778, and learned the hatting business
with his father, who. lived on a small clearing of
one or two acres. During the winter months he was
sent to the common scliools of the neighborhood.
He was fond of books, and read them with great
avidity. The family being Friends, he had access
only to books written and published by the. early
Quakers. He committed to memory the few poetical
works written by them. He came to Columbia in tlie
year 1804 and commenced the manufacture of hats in
a little shop on Front Street, and from there he re-
moved it to Walnut Street. He was one of the fore-
most in every enterprise calculated to benefit his
fellow-men and extend and foster the best interests
of his adopted town, hence we find him organizing
schools, libraries, erecting public buildings, and
urging internal improvements.
He established a lumber-yard and leased ground
from Samuel Bethel at the canal basin, where he
conducted that business for fifteen years. In the
year 1810 he erected three two-story brick houses on
Front Street, above Locust, in one of which he lived.
He married Isabella Slaymaker, daughter of the
Hon. Amos Slaymaker, a member of Congress in
1811.
He was a member of the Federal party while it ex-
isted, and afterwards joined the Whig party. He was
opposed to Soatheru slavery,- although rather conser-
vative in his views. He did not belong to or encour-
age what came to be known as the "Underground
Railroad," but lie'rendered valuable aid to the colored
people and assisted a number of fugitive slaves in
their efforts to obtain their freedom. Charlotte and
her husband, Charles Green, were both fugitive slaves ;
the one was a domestic in his family, and the other
his coachman.
About the year 1832 the former was suddenly seized
.1 Eolert Biirher.'a grandson of the old pioneer eettlor, was a cajjlaln
in the Revolutionary war, and whb iu the battle of Long Island and
other enyftgeuienta.
Joseph lioyd was a private, and served through the Rovolutlonnry
war. lie was a bhicksmith, and carried on his Inisliiessat the corner
of Fourth and \Vulnut Streets. IIi- diinl nU.ut imO.
James Upjohn Hiili»ti-d in May, 1777, in Ciipt. K.n u\ Company, in Cul.
Patton's regnnent of the Pennsylvania Line. Ho was In a nuiuher i.f
battles, and was wounded at Monnioulli, N.J. He removed to Columbia
luo, 1779, In Capt. Tlionuia Wylle
■a'regimeutofa.ldlerj. Ho sirv,
18 a " fuller."
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
by her master while sweeping in front of the house,
and carried to Lancaster before the judges, who re-
manded her back to slavery. Mr. Green did all in
his power to save her. In that he failed, but he pre-
vented two of her children from being carried and
sold into slavery. Charles Green collected six hun-
dred dollars, and went to Baltimore to buy his wife.
When he arrived there he was seized and sold into
slavery, and nothing more was ever heard from him.
His wife was sold several times, and finally got to
New Orleans, where she was hired out by her master
as a yellow fever nurse. She finally purchased her
own freedom, and married a Crenle and became very
ricli.
Mr. Green was for many years a director in the Co-
lumbia Bank and Bridge Company, and held a num-
ber of minor trusts. He always declined to hold a
political office of any kind.
His children were Amos S., who was born in 1816,
became a prominent and influential citizen, and was
elected to the Legislature in 1858 and 1859 ; Corne-
lia, who married Dr. Spence and removed to Vir-
ginia; Benjamin; Henry, followed a seafaring life
for some years ; and Jasper.
Dr. Beaton Smith was the son of the late Jonathan
Smith, president of the United States Bank. He was
born in Chester County, Pa. He went to Paris and
attended medical lectures, where he graduate'd with
high honors, when he returned to Philadeli)hia. He
married Miss Hiddleson, and was appointed teller in
a branch of the Pennsylvania Bank, and removed to
Columbia soon after the war of 1812. He remained
in charge of the bank for several years, and until it
was removed from Columbia. He remained in the
place and practiced medicine, and was also a|)pointed
agent for the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Company
in Columbia. He was a person of ability, and took
a very active part in the temperance movement, and
was one of their principal speakers. He removed to
Germantown in 1831, and died in Philadelphia a few
years ago at a great age.
William Kirkwood was an Irish Quaker. He came
to Sadsbury township, in this county, about the year
1800 or 1807, where he taught school, and married
Rebecca Cooper about the year 1809. He removed
to Columbia, where he taught school in the|, brick
school-house on Third Street and on Locust Street
for ten years. He abandoned teaching and became a
tenant farmer. He first rented a farm at Wrights-
ville, where he also burned large quantities of lime.
He returned to Columbia and opened a lumber-yard,
and also farmed ibr the Wrights near Columbia.
He was n public speaker at Friends' meetings, and
b(M:ame an ardent temperance advocate. He was also
a fine writer. He died in Columbia about the year
1833.
J(jhn McKissick was born in* Chester County, and
came to Lancaster about the year 1800, ami lield a
position under the State government ujitil the capital
1
of the State was removed to Harrisburg. He came
to Columbia in 1809, and was appointed an officer in
the Branch Bank of Pennsylvania, and afterwards
cashier of the Columbia Bank and Bridge Company,
a position he held for many years. He was a promi-
nent menTber of the Presbyterian Church. He died
in this place about the year 1838, and left two chil-
dren surviving him,— Eliza and Mrs. I^aird.
John McKissic, Jr., married Capt. Clyde's sister
Sarah, and came from Chester County to Columbia,
and took a position in the Branch Bank of Philadel-
phia as clerk. He had one son, James, who gradu-
ated at Lafayette College with high honors, was
admitted to practice law, and opened an office in Co-
lumbia. He died suddenly in 1853. John McKissic
and Sarah had also daughters, — Sarah and Mary.
The latter married John'B. Edwards.
Dr. Hugh iMcCorkle was born in Chester County.
He came to Columbia about the year 1805, and com-
menced the practice of medicine. In 1812 he mar-
ried Miss Strickler, daughter of Jacob Strickler, who
resided near Columbia. His son, William S., mar-
ried Elizabeth Heise, daughter of Samuel B. Heise.
Another daughter married John L. Boswell, the editor
of the Columbia Spij.
Hugh McCorkle was clerk in the Columbia Bank
and Bridge Company for several years prior to 1819.
Capt. James Clyde was born in Northampton
County, Pa., in 1783, and came to Columbia in 1810
and engaged in the lumber business. He was ap-
pointed a justice of the peace in 1812.
In 181-1 he took command of a volunteer company
of soldiers (which was recrnited by Moses Montgom-
ery, who was disabled the evening before he was to
march) and marched to Baltimore. He was married
the first time to Miss Horner, and moved to Washing-
ton County, in Ohio, in 1823.
He was married the second time to Miss Sally
Downing, of Dowuingtown, now living in Columbia.
Capt. Clyde returned to Northampton County in 1842,
and died upon his farm in that county in 1866.
Capt. William Vicary was a sea-captain. He mar-
ried a daughter of Philip Gossler, who kept the Ferry
House and rented Wright's Ferry. He owned and |
lived in the first frame house below the brick Ferry
House hotel, on Front Street, now occupied by
Bridge Street. It is said that he was the first person
in the United States vvlio introduced the tomato in the
country. He brought some seed with him from the
Sandwich Islands. He did not intend to raise them
for table use, but rather as something ornamental.
He was one of the earliest burgesses of the town.
Thomas Welsh was born in Columbia about the
year 1825, and for a number of yeai-s resided with
John Cooper, late president of the Columbia National
Bank. He enlisted as a private, and marched with
several other Columbians to Mexico. He was
wounded at the battle of Monterey in his leg, and
was brought home, where by kind attention and the
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
589
beat medical attention he was able to be out again in a
few months. Having shown a talent for the military
profession, many of his friends persuaded him to ac-
cept a lieutenant's commission in the regular army.
He was duly ajjpointed and marched to Vera Cruz, and
participated in several battles under Gen. Scott.
After tlie war he resigned his position in the army
and returned to Columbia. For some years he kept
a store at the basin, and owned several canal-boats.
In 1856 he was elected a justice of the peace. In the
spring of 1861 he raised one of the first volunteer
companies in the State and entered the three months'
service.'
Capt. James Caldwell came to Columbia from the
central part of the State when the public works were
being built, he being one of the contractors. When
the war with Mexico commenced he raised a company
of volunteers and marched to Mexico. He partici-
pated iu all the battles between Vera Cruz and the
city of Mexico. While advancing at the head of his
company, after the capture of Chapultepec, to the
gates of the city of Mexico, and passing along the
causeway, he received a wound in the foot from the
fragment of a shell, from the effects of which lockjaw
set in, and he died in two weeks.
His son, the Hon. Alexander Caldwell, of Kansas,
who was about fourteen years of age, was by his
father's side when he received his wound. Gen.
Pierce appointed him commissary clerk when he
landed at Vera Cruz. For gallant and meritorious
conduct he received a lieutenant's commission about
the close of the war.
He did not enter the regular army, but returned to
Columbia, where he entered the produce-store of
Joseph M.Cottrell as clerk, and thence to the Colum-
bia Bank as teller. In 1858 he removed to Kansas,
where he was afterwards elected to the United States
Kenate.
His success as a business man has been piienomenal.
• Richard E. Cochran, Jr., was the son of Dr. Rich-
ard E. Cochran, and was born Nov. 16, 1817, in the
State of Delaware. In 1838 he was appointed second
lieutenant in the regular army, and at once went
into active duty in Florida and along the western
border of Arkansas.
When the war with Mexico commenced M 1846
he joined his regiment, and was in the battle of Palo
Alto, May 8, 1846, and on the next day in the battle
of Resaca de la Palma, and when entering the cap-
tured intrenchments, sword iu liand, he was killed.
Some months later his body was brought to Colum-
bia, and interred with the honors of war. The citi-
zens of the place erected a marble monument over
his grave. He received a collegiate education, and
was rather above the standard of ability in this re-
markable family. His military genius gave promise
of a future brilliant career."
I Capt. Theodore D. Cochran was the fourth son of
i Dr. Richard E. Cochran. He was born in Delaware
in 1821. He was sent to the common schools in Co-
lumbia. About the year 1836 he entered the Colum-
bia Spij printing-of&ce, wliere from the beginning of
his apprenticeship he developed talent as a political
writer. After tlie death of Preston B. Elder, the pro-
prietor of the Spy, in 1839, he took charge of the
Old Guard, an Anti-Masonic and Whig paper, pub-
lished in Lancaster, which was established in the in-
terest of the Hon. John Strohm. He was elected to
the Legislature in 1844 and 1845. He understood
j but little of the arts of the orator, but when a mem-
ber of the Legislature he made one of the most bril-
liant speeches of the session in favor of the " right of
way" for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad through
the western part of the State.
He received a commission as lieutenant in the
regular line, and marched to Mexico. He was con-
spicuously brave at the battle of Molino del Rey and
Chapultepec. He returned to Columbia after the
war with greatly impaired health, and again entered
the editorial field, for which he was so well equipped.
He resided at York when the Rebellion of 1861
broke out, wheu he immediately raised a company of
volunteers and entered the three months' service, and
after its close accepted a commission in the regular
service, but was compelled from ill health to resign.
He died in York at his brother's, Hon. Thomas E.
Cochran, in July, 1863.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
I See sketch of Welsh G. A. Post.
THE HOUSTON F.^MILY.
The Houstons of Lancaster County are of Scotch-
Irish descent. _.The origin of the family is ancient,
the name coming from Sir Hugh De Padvinan, a.u.
1100, he being ])ossessed of the lands of Kilpeter, in
Strathgrief, Scotland. In 1250 the name of Houston
was adopted, and the titles follow in direct line
through the oldest sons to the present time, George
Ludovic Houston being in possession of the baronetcy
and estates at Johnstone, Renfrew County, Scotland.
From existing evidence it appears that the younger
sons of the original family left Scotland for the north
of Ireland early in the seventeenth century. We now
find them scattered through the counties of Donegal,
Londonderry, Antrim, and Tyrone, from whence came
the first of the Houstons of Lancaster County, Pa., be-
tween 1725 and 1730. From these families came the
Houstons of Virginia and Tennessee. Sam. Houston,
of Texas, left Lancaster County with his father's hiin-
ily when a child for Virginia, and after the death of
his father went, with other children of the family and
his mother, to East Tennessee. The fiimily remain-
ing in Lancaster County are the descendants of John
590
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Houston, who had six sons and two daugliters, all
born at the farm in Pequea Valley, immediately facing
Gap Station, on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The sons
were Daniel, Dr. John, William, James, Thomas, and
Samuel. One daughter married the Rev. Dr. Proud-
fit, the other Mr. John Johnson, of JNIercersburg,
Franklin Co., Pa. Both daughters had large fain- I
ilies. The Proudfits now live in New York and
vicinity, and the Johnsons in Franklin County and i
farther west in Pennsylvania. The five elder boys
(Samuel was too young) were soldiers in the Revolu-
tionary army, and with the exception of James, who
was killed at Paoli, fought through the war. After
the war Daniel moved to Franklin, and afterwards
to Washington County, Pa., William to Trumbull
County, Ohio, and Thomas to Rockbridge County, Va.
The youngest son, Samuel, remained in Pequea
Valley, Lancaster Co., during his life.
Dr. John Houston, the second son, was born at
Pequea in 1743. He finished his studies at the Uni-
versity of Edinburgh, Scotland, graduating in 17GG;
studied medicine with Dr. Shippen, of Philadelphia;
commenced the practice of medicine at York, Pa., then
a frontier town ; married Susannah Wright, of Colum-
bia, June 17,, 1773. He entered the army as a sur-
geon. Gen. James Ewing married Patience Wright,
Mrs. Dr. Houston's sister. They were the only chil-
dren of John Wright, the holder of large properties
on both sides of the Susquehanna River, at Columbia
and Wrightsville. After the war, Dr. Houston spent
the remainder of his life at his winter home in Co-
lumbia or on his farm, ou the west siile of the Sus-
quehanna, in York County, now a part of Wrights-
ville. His wife, Susanna Houston, survived him
many years, and died in 1829. Their children were
James, John, Martha, Eleanor Wright, Anna S., Wil-
liam Frederick, Robert Wright, and Samuel Nelson.
James married Nancy Wright. He erected the
flouring-mill and first saw-mills near the mouth of
Kreitz Creek, at Wrightsville. Their children were
Susan E. and John W. Susan married James E.
Mifflin. James E. Mittiin, now of Columbia, is their
son. John W. married Mary B. Martin, of Lycom-
ing County, Pa. They had sons and daughters, —
George, now living in Missouri, and William, at Cin-
cinnati, Ohio. His daughter Annie married Col.
Lewis Merrill, of the United States army; Emily
married Col. Alexander, of the United States army ;
and Eliza married Capt. Warner, United States army.
Martha married Joseph Mifflin, a prominent scholar,
and for a part of his life a bank-officer in Philadelphia.
Their children were Deby Ann, John Houston, James
H., and Joseph. Deby Ann died in Columbia in 1829.
James H. died at Eatonton, Ga., in 1838. J. Houston
married Elizabeth Ji. Heise, of Columbia. He is still
with us, a hale, hearty artist-poet-farmer. Tliough
past the allotted space of threescore and ten, long may
he live to enjoy the comfort and companionsliip of
his four bright sons 1 Joseph married Julia Duncan
Stewart, and is living on his farm in Cumberland
County, enjoying the comfort of a well-spent life.
John and William F. both studied medicine. John
died.just after graduating.
William, having abandoned the practice of medicine
for the pulpit, lived for many years a devoted minister
of the Presbyterian Church. He married in early life
Amy McCorkle, of Philadelphia. They had two chil-
dren,— Christiana M. and John Frederick. Chris-
tiana married Rev. James L. Scott, of the Presbyterian
Church, in 1837, and immediately sailed for India.
After remaining ten years there, Mrs. Scott's health
became impaired and she was ordered home. She
died on shipboard just after passing the Cape of Good
Hope. They had three children, — two (Amy and
Edward H.) died after reaching man and womanhood.
Anna E., the surviving daughter, is now and has been
for many years in the mission-field in India.
John Frederick marri-ed Catharine J. Fisher, of
Pine Ford, Dauphin Co., Pa. He was one of the
brightest young men of our country.- He was born in
Columbia, and lived there all his life. He graduated
at an early age at Amherst College with high honor;
adopted the profession of a civil engineer; was en-
gaged on the construction of the Baltimore and Sus-
quehanna Railroad, Gettysburg Railroad, the State
works of Pennsylvania, in progress between 1834 and
1839. He abandoned the engineer service and stud-
ied law with his brother-in-law, Judge Robert J.
Fisher, of York, Pa. He commenced the practice of
law in the counties of York and Lancaster, continu-
ing his home in Columbia, and was fast gaining
prominence, when at the early age of thirty-five he
was stricken with paralysis, after which he lived
nearly thirty years, respected by all who knew him.
He has three surviving children, — Georgianna F., at
Harrisburg; William F., at San Francisco, Cal. ; and
Harry, at Denver, Col.'
Robert W. liv^d in Ctdumbia all his life. He was
an enterprising and highly respected citizen. Fur
many years a merchant, and afterwards a contractor
in the Columbia and Philadelphia Railroad and
Pennsylvania Canal. He married Sarah Ann Jones,
of Great Valley, Chester Co. She died in Columbia
in 1834. They had two daughters, — Mary and Susan
\V. Mary died young. Susan married the Rev.
Robert Gamble, of the Presbyterian Church ; they
are now livinir in Chanceford, York Co., Pa.
1 The duughtero, Eli-aiior W. aud i
eighty-two iind eithtj-f.jur y^'ara, ronmi
yeai-8 living togetliiT auil keeping ho
tlieir Ufphf \V8 end niuces aud tficir clil
their peijional attention devoted to Ijos
pilallly I
; and la-r tahoitd a» a poetena would have dlstiuguluhed her IQ
lioth \M-io zejiloua uiembeni of the Preslo'tBiian Church,
srage, \inlll phjBlcal Inllrniity forliado It, Kloaimr especially
I poor and tlio needy In tlii-lr hnnlble homes, prescrihiug foiiii
iiie and Christian comfort, '* going about doing good."
m
'y(/^e^-^,,^^^iy^^^
()-C^K>
/^
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
591
Samuel Nelson was born in 1791; finished his edu-
cation at Burlington College, New Jersey; studied
medicine and pharmacy in Philadelphia in 1811 and
1812 ; returned to Columbia on account of ill iiealth ;
spent his time in the field and saddle for two or three
years (we cannot refer to the exercise which restored
the health of Mr. Samuel N. Houston without re-
marking that he was of uncommonly handsome per-
sonal appearance; that in those days before fox-hunt-
ing was one of the lost arts, while he was distinguished
for all manly and athletic exercises, he was especially
noted as a magnificent rider) ; was an active member
ofCapt. Shippen's troop of horse of Lancaster County,
in the war of 1812 ; entirely regained his health, and
in 1816 married Susan Strickler, daughter of Col.
Jacob Strickler; they had five children, — John
James, Henry Howard, Emily Strickler, Eleanor
Wright, Martha Mifflin. He died November, 1878,
aged eighty-seven years. John James married Ann
Blakiston, of Philadelphia. He was for many years
engaged in transportation in Pennsylvania and West-
ern States; lived the most of his life in Columbia, a
few years in Pittsburgh, and died in Philadelphia in
1869. His wife survives him. They had no children.
He was a wonderful man, and though with a slight
frame and delicate constitution, he by determination
end pure grit accomplished great results, and of him
we can say he-died as he always lived,— ready.'
Henry H., the seconS son of Samuel N. Houston,
waj early at work in a mercantile house, and soon
left it for that of transportation.
Emily Strickler died in Columbia, aged seven years.
Eleanor W. died at fifty-five years of age, in 1881.
. Martha Mifflin, the youngest daughter, married
Stephen Greene, in Columbia, in 1855. They went
to Philadelphia in 1860, where they now reside with
a family of six children.
The only other branch of the original John Hous-
ton, ^rst referred to, that remained and grew up in
Lancaster County, was Esquire Samuel Houston, of
Pequea Valley, of which family we regret we cannot
give a full account. He married Miss Hopkins, of
Lancaster, and had cliildren — John, James H., Frank-
lin, William, Samuel, Horatio, Sarah Jane, Martha,
and Louise.
John married Gertrude Truxton, daughter of Com-
modore Truxton, and had sons and daughters. Sev-
eral of the boys were in the navy, and daughters
married officers in the United States army. One of
Ihe sons, James Buchanan Houston, is president of
the Pacific Mail Steamship Company.
James H. married Miss Henderson, and had sons
and daughters. One of the sons, J. Hopkins Houston,
«;i< rapidly becoming prominent as a railroad officer,
but died young at Prairie du Chien, Wis., while oc-
cupying an important position.
Franklin lived and died in t/ancaster County, was
married, and most of his children are settled in this
county.
Gen. William married Miss Jacobs, of Lancaster'
County. He was engaged for many years in the manu-
facture of iron in Centre County. He had several
sons. • Part of the family went to California, and part
to Missouri. He died in California.
Dr. Samuel married Agnes Humes, of Lancaster.
They had sons and daughters. The doctor died in
W^ashington, where his family now resides. One of
his sons, a prominent army officer, died young of
yellow fevdr in Havana.
Horatio was an officer in the navy, and died young.
Sarah Jane married Dr. Harris, of Bellefonte, Pa.,
and after his death married Mr. Yardly, a prominent
merchant of Cincinnati. He lived but a few years.
She lived several years a widow, and died in 1881,
and is buried in the family burying-ground, Pequea
Valley, Lancaster Co.
Martha married Col. William Baker, of this county.
They have several children. She died in 1881.
Louise is living with her sister-in-law, Mrs. Dr.
Samuel Houston, in Washington, D. C.
HENRY HOWARD HOUSTON.
Henry Howard Houston, the youngest son of Sam-
uel Nelson Houston, and now the oldest living grand-
son of Dr. John Houston, of Columbia (bearing his
name), was born at the Houston farm, Wrightsville,
on the 3d day of October, 1820. He left school at
fourteen to enter the mercantile house of Mr. John
S. Futhey, in Wrightsville. This was probably the
best house in its day in this section of the country for
qualifying boys for a thorough busine.ss life. Mr.
Futhey was a man of large means, great industry,
strict integrity, high moral character, always on duty
j himself, and kept his boys at their post. Proverbially
he dealt in " everything that grew, was manufactured,
or consumed." This gave those with him a knowl-
I edge of the value ftt' products and material rarely ob-
I tained in one establishment. During the five years
young Houston was with him, say from 1834 to 1839,
the Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad (Wrightsville
to York), theTide- Water Canal ( Wrightsville td Haver
de Grace), the dam across tiie Susquehanna River,
and towing-path bridge were being constructed, and
supplies for most of the contractors and laborers on
these works were furnished by Mr. Futhey, which,
with the bulk of the trade of the rich region within
five miles of Wrightsville, gave him an extensive
busine.ss. Houston's associates in this house were
Samuel M. Smith, afterwards a successful merchant;
Samuel D. Young, who went ea'riy into the transpor-
tation business at the Columbia Canal basin, and at
the time of his death was superintendent of the
Pennsylvania Railroad at Harrisburg; Jasper W.
Boyd, son of the first superintendent of tlie Tide-Water
' Canal; and J. Smith Futhey, now Judge Futhey, of
I West Cliesler, Pa.
At twenty Houston went with Mr. Samuel M. Rey-
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
nolds, of Lancaster, to Lucinda Furnace, in Clarion
County, Pa. After remaining tliere three years lie
joined Mr. Edmund Evans in rebuilding and oper-
ating Horse Creek furnace, on the Allegheny River,
in Venango County, Pa. ; remained there two years,
and returned to Columbia in January, 1845; re-
mained at home one year, then made a tour of
the Southern and Western States, reaching home
in December, 1S4G. In February, 1847, entered the
Philadelphia office of Leech & Co., canal and railway
transporters. Continued with this company in Phila-
delphia and New York until December, 1850. Tlie
Pennsylvania Railroad was then comjileted to HoUi-
daysburg and with the State Portage Railroad over the
mountains and the canal (Johnstown to Pittsburgh)
furnished a through line from Philadelphia to the Ohio
River. Col. William C.Patterson, then president of the
Pennsylvania Railroad, selected him to organize the
freight department of the new road. The rail line was
completed to Pittsburgh in 1853, and from this time
until 1860 the efforts required to secure and maintain
trade against rivalry in the North and South was in-
cessant and laborious. He continued in charge of
this department for fifteen years.
Since then he has, with associates, been largely in-
terested in the construction of local railroads and roads
across the continent. He is now engaged in lake and
ocean transportation, being part owner of a line of
nine steamships on the ocean and a fleet of twenty
steamers on the northwestern lakes; was an early
and successful producer and operator in petroleum, a
miner of coal in Pennsylvania and Western Virginia,
and interested in gold and silver mines in Montana
and Colorado. He is now in the board of directors
of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Pittsburgh, Cin-
cinnati and St. Louis Railroad, the Pennsylvania
Company, the International Steamship Company, the
Erie and Western Transportation Company, besides
others of less importance.
He married Miss Sallie S. Bounell, of Philadel-
phia, in 1856. They have had six children. The
first, a daughter, died in infancy. Henry Howard,
Jr., the eldest son, who traveled during school and
college vacations the entire chain of the lakes between
the head of Lake Superior and Quebec, through the
Southern and Western States and part of M|e.xico,
across the Rocky Mountains and north to British Co-
lumbia. He graduated from the University of Penn-
sylvania in the class of 1878. Then made a tour of
Europe, the region of the Nile and Palestine, returned
to Italy via Turkey in Europe, and died in Rome in
June, 1879, just as he reached his twenty-tirst year.
Eleanor Anna, the third daughter, died at twelve
yeari of age, in January, 1875. The remaining chil-
dren are Sallie B., Samuel Frederick, and Gertrude.
The family reside in Germantown, a suburb of Phila-
delphia, where they have lived for twenty-five years.
Mr. Houston is a member of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, has been rector's warden and superintendent
of Sunday-school of St. Peter's Church, Germantown,'
since the organization of that parish.
JOHN HOUSTON MIFFLIN.
John Houston Mifliin, of whom the following
brief sketch is given, is a Pennsylvanian of the sev-
enth generation. The first John Mitllin came from
England with William Penn in 1676, and took up
four hundred acres of land, now included in Fair-
mount Park, Philadelphia. A son of John, born in
1660, married in 1683, and from his son John de-
scended John (4th), whose son, Joseph Miffliu, was
the grandfather of John Houston Mifflin, and a suc-
cessful merchant in Philadelphia, as were also his
brothers. The second Joseph Mifflin, the father of
the subject of this sketch, came to Columbia and
married Martha Houston, a daughter of John Hous-
ton, whose father, John Houston, emigrated from
Scotland about 1680 and settled in Pequea township,
one of the finest farming regions of Lancaster County,
Pa. His son, John Houston, J. H. Mifflin's grand-
father, was sent to Edinburgh to complete his educa-
tion as a physician, and there received his medical
diploma. He served as a surgeon for seven yeaia
during the Revolutionary war. He married Susanna
Wright (more particulars of their several children, as
well as of the ancestors of the family, being given in
the biographical sketch of Henry H. Houston, Esq.).
John Houstiin, after the close of the Revolutionary
war, continued the practice of medicine in Columbia,
and was commissioned a justice of the peace by Gov-
ernor Mifflin. Mr. Mifflin's father, Joseph Mifflin,
removed to the neighborhood of Columbia and mar-
ried Martha Houston, daughter of John Houston and
Susanna Wright Houston. He was occupied in teach-
ing for some years in Columbia, and afterwards as a
book-keeper in the first bank in that place. John
Houston Mifflin-ivas the first of several childwen of
Joseph and Martha Mifflin, and was born on the 7th
day of February, 1807. When about six years of age
his parents renjoved to Philadelphia, his father assist-
ing his own brother, Lloyd Milllin, in the banking-
house of the Camden Bank of New Jersey, at their
office in Church Street, Philadelphia. There he
attended an excellent private school until the death
of his mother, which occurring at an early age, he
was sent to the celebrated boarding-school of the
Society of Friends, or Quakers (that being the relig-
ious faith of his family), called Westtown, near to West
Chester, and about twenty miles from Philadelphia.
Mr. and Mrs. Mifflin both died in Philadelphia, where
their remains are interred. The subject of this bio-
graphical sketch having early siiown fondness and
facility for drawing, after abundant drawing-lessons
under I. R. Smith, then celebrated in Philadelphia,:
and opportunities of painting at the Academy of Fine,
Arts in that city, had the privilege of instruction
from Thomas Sully and John Neagle, two of the most
m' ,
/l^'>^j6'^Jic^
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
593
u
I'
distinguished portrait-painters of that day. He pur-
lued his art as a portrait-painter in tlie city wliere his
boyhood was passed, and wliere liis many friends
kept him moderately busy, until his old and particular
friend and fellow-student at drawing-school, James
DeVeaux, enticed him to the South to spend the
winters. Here he found such hospitality and high
appreciation of his art as to influence his return in
the winter to its hospitable cities, and to protract his
visits till the early summers of the sunny South at-
tracted him to view the wonderful and romantic
icenery of the northern part of Georgia, — in particu-
lar, those localities where mountains and water-falls
compre.ssed all Switzerland within a radius of thirty
miles, and which he traversed, occasionally sketching
during this period. In his business as a professional
portrait- painter Mr. Mifflin was amply rewarded by
hia friends and liberal patrons in the South, and in
company with his artist-friend, DeVeaux, made the
tour of Europe, visiting in 1835-3(5 the galleries and
museums in parts of England, in London, Brussels,
and Paris, and nearly all the collections in every city
In Italy. Later he returned to Augusta and Savan-
Dah, Ga., and was greeted with hospitality and success.
Upon one of his revisits to his native town, Colum-
bia, Pa., he married Miss Elizabeth A. Bethel Heise,
daughter of Solomon and Patience Betliel Heise, of
that place. For a time Mr. Slifflin attempted to pur-
we his favorite art of portrait-painting in Columbia.
It* population, however, not furnishing patient sitters
to dispute the celerity of the daguerreotype or the
rapidity of the photograph, the jialette and pencil
, were laid aside. The management of the landed in-
terests of the family gradually absorbed his lime, and
he gave much attention to the improvement of this
property. He may justly claim to be identified with
the growth and development of Columbia, having
erected more than forty dwellings within its limits.
He also laid out a cemetery adjoining those dcnom-
iaational burial-places which were being overcrowded,
and afterwards furnished additional ground for the
beautiful spot, chartered under the name of the Mount
Betliel Cemetery Association of Columbia, of which
he is the president. He has been honored by the
confidence and trust of his fellow-citizens, when polit-
ical partisanship had no influence in their selection,
with many positions of importance, such as school di-
rector forseveral terms, treasurer of the PublicGrounds
Oinipany, and president of some manufacturing com-
panies. He was for thirty successive years elected a
trustee of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mrs.
Mifflin and most of his relatives are members, although
his parents were members of the Society of Friends,
•hich entitled their children to membership in that
•ociety. In his political allilialions Mr. Mifllin was
formerly a Whig, and subsequently adojited the prin-
ciples of the Republican party, "though he is devoid
of ambition for distinctions of a political character.
He has a love for literature, and a facility for
writing verse, of which he printed a small volume
called " Rhyme of an Artist," for private distribution.
Pie contributed essays and poetical pieces, some of
which were set to music, to Grahaia's Magazine and to
Burton's. Ge«<to/ian's Magazine in Philadelphia, and
frequently wrote spicy articles for the local papers of
Columbia. Ho was also an elocutionist as far as dra-
matic recitation indicated the capacity, and frequently
entertained his friends and benevolent organizations
with lectures, readings, or recitations. Mr. Mifliin
has evinced during his lifetime a desire to become a
useful citizen rather than to achieve marked distinc-
tion in literature or art, in both of which fields he
might, doubtless, with application and study, have
won renown.
He is of a cheerful social disposition, beloved by
a large number of friends, and most affectionate and
devoted to his family as husband and father.
Mr. and Mrs. Mifllin were blessed with several
children, of whom Lloyd, Houston, James DeVeau.x,
and Charles 'West survive. The eldest, Bethel,
Martha Elizabeth, and Mary Bethel, rest in the Mount
Bethel Cemetery, beside the grave of their mother.
WILLI.'iM FORDNEY LOCKARD.
The subject of this biographical sketch was born
of German ancestry. His father, Charles Lockard,
resided in Columbia, Lancaster Co., Pa., and during
the earlier years of his life followed the occupation
of pilot on the Susquehanna River. In later years
he became a contractor, and died at Peach Bottom,
Pa., in 1826, at the early age of thirty years, having
been at the time of his death engaged in the con-
struction of a public canal. He married Elizabeth
Fordney, daughter of William Forduey, who emi-
grated from Germany to Columbia, Pa., where he
died in 1825. Mrs. Lockard survived her husband
fifty years, and dieU at Columbia, Pa., in 1876, at the
ripe age of seventy-nine years. She was a devoted
Christian mother through all the vicissitudes of a
long and well-spent life. Her beloved and ven'erated
character still lives in the memory of the children
who survive.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lockard the following children
were born: Sophia, Samuel, Charles 0., Hannah,
William F., and Eliza. The birth of William F.
occurred Jan. 10, 1825, at Columbia, Lancaster Co.,
Pa., where his boyliood was passed. Soon after liis
father's death, and when nine years of age, William
was indentured to James Jloore, a farmer of Union
County, Pa., who was also by occupation a bridge-
builder, having erected the second bridge across the
Susquehanna River, between Columbia and Wrights-
ville, Pa., in the year 1834. (This bridge was de-
stroyed by fire July, 1863, during the invasion of
Gen. Lee's army into Pennsylvania, on the occasion
of tlie battle of Gettysburg.) \Villiam F. lived six
years in Union County, Pa., and on returning to his
594
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
native town was employed in the construction of the j
new line of railroad then being built to avoid the in-
clined plane at Columbia, Pa. This contract being
finished, he engaged upon a canal-boat running be-
tween Columbia and Hollidaysburg, Pa., and served i
his superiors faithfully for two years. He then ac-
cepted the position of agent on a train of cars running
over the "State Road" between Columbia and Pliil-
adelphia, Pa., owned by Messrs. Bingham, Dock & j
Stratton, one of the few transportation liouses then
doing business on the Columbia Basin.
At the age of eighteen lie became fireman upon a
locomotive, and four years later rose to the rank of a i
locomotive engineer in the employ of the State of i
Pennsylvania. He continued in that capacity until I
the year 1857, at which time the main line, owned
and controlled by the State, from Philadelphia to
Pittsburgh, was sold to the Pennsylvania Central
Railroad, they assuming full management of the same.
William F. was, in the summer of 1858, made dis-
patcher of trains at Columbia, and remained thus
employed until March 1, 18G7, when he was ap-
pointed and confirmed by the board of directors of
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to the position
of superintendent of the Philadelphia Division of
said road, with his office in Philadelphia. This caused
the removal with his family from Columbia, Pa., and
occasioned the separation from many warm personal
friends, who, however, rejoiced at his promotion. He
continued to fill the position of superintendent for
fourteen years, when, in the summer of 1881, owing
to continued ill health, contracted by the arduous
duties of the office, he was compelled to tender his
resignatiou. It was reluctantly accepted by tlie
board of directors, who, being unwilling to lose his
services, appointed him superintendeut of the Junc-
tion Railroad, a position of like responsibilities
though less laborious, which office he now holds.
William Fordney Lockard is essentially a self-made
man, and has not depended upon accidental good
fortune to make his career one of success. His energy,
industry, and inherent force have been the powerful
levers which have lilted him from dependence to a
position of influence and independence. In the vari-
ous positions be has held the confidence and respect
of his superior officers has invariably been manifested
towards him, while the most flattering testimonials
have evinced the affection of his subordinates.
William F. Lockard married at Sliddletown, Dau-
phin Co., Pa., on the (ith day of March, 1850, Marga-
ret B., daughter of Daniel Fager, formerly of Reading,
Pa. Their children are Jennie B., Samuel L., Thomas
G., Edwin. J., Letitia, Minnie, and Lucy F. All are
living with the exception of Letitia, who died in
infancy.
The Lockards were from the earliest records of the
family in Germany members of the German Lutheran
Church, Tliis famiTy still adheres to the faith and
worships with the same denomination.
JOHN B. B.\CHMAN.
Mr. Bachman's paternal ancestors are of German
extraction, while on the maternal side is traced a
union*of Scotch and Irish antecedents. Felix Bach-
man, his j^reat-grandfather, emigrated from Switzer-
land about the year 1740, and purchased of the heirs
of William Penu six hundred acres of land in Bart
Lancaster Co.
<^^?Ti^ /I. /3
^t-7^a>t\)
He had two sons, George and Jacob, the hitter of
whom was born on the ancestral land, and in the
dwelling erected hi' his father soon after his purchase,'
which is still standing. He was a farmer by occupa-V
tion, and married Ann Heidlebach, of this same town-'
ship. Their sons were George, Samuel, and Jacob,
and their daughters Ann and Elizabeth.
The birth of Samuel occurred upon the paternal
estate in 1791, in the vicinity of which his life wn»
spent as merchant, landlord, and farmer. He was a.
man of enterprise and judgment, and his services
were much sought in the settlement of estates in his
native county. He married Rebecca G. Baird, whose
grandfather, Thomas Baird, emigrated to America,
from Tyrone, Ireland, in 1753. John Baird, the ;
father of Mrs. Bachmau, was a soldier of the Revo-|-
Intion, and a magistrate both in Bart and Colerain
townships. His death occurred in 1822, The chil-
dren of Samuel an<i Rebecca were Jchn B., lliiani P.,
Samuel H., and Ann A.
Mrs. Bachman's death occurred in 1831, and that
of her husband April 1, 1882. Their son, John D.,
was born IVIarch 22, 1820, on the homestead in Bart
BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA.
595
township, and his childhood was spent in the
immediate vicinity of his birlhphice. His educa-
tional advantages were confined to the select schools
of the neighborhood, after svliich he became clerk of
a country store, and filled a similar position in tlie
village hotel. At the age of eighteen he became a
carpenter's apprentice, and having acquired the trade
conducted an extensive business. Desiring a larger
field of labor than the country afforded, he removed
ill 1852 to Columbia, and availing himself of the new
inventions in machinery then in use, engaged largely
ill the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds. He is
doubtless the oldest manufacturer in the State en-
gaged in this branch of industry, and still conducts
an extensive planing and lumbering business on the
site of his original purchase.
Mr. Bachman was married in 1847 to Miss Isabella,
daughter of Matthew Knox, of the same township.
Their children are Florence R. (Mrs. Breneman), Hyde
L., Jenny Gail, and Mary Gertrude. Mr. Bachman has
by his ambition and public spirit added much to the
growth and development of Columbia. He has for
many years been actively engaged in building, the
dwellings he erected having especial reference to the
comfort and improved condition of the laboring
classes. He has been since the casting of his first
ballot on conviction an Old-Line Whig, and readily
espoused the platform of the Republican party on its
formation. He has been prominent in municipal
affairs, and frequently a member of the Council of
the borough of Columbia.
Mr. Bachman may justly be regarded as a promoter
of all schemes having for their object the improved
condition of the community.
FREDERICK BUCllER.
The parents of Frederick Bucher were Joseph Max
and Barbara (Bernauer) Bucher, of Deggingen, VViir-
temberg, Germany, where the former died in 187U,
having during his active life been a leading merchant
of that village. Here his son Frederick was born,
Sept. 18, 1830. On reaching manhood he decided
upon America as a future field of labor, and emi-
grated in 1853. Christian, his brother, followed in
185G, and Max, another brother, in 1858, both of
whom are since deceased. '
Frederick settled in Columbia, and at once sought
employment with Jonas Rumple in the hardware
business. After a brief period he engaged with
Henry Pfhaler, of the same place, with whom he re-
mained until 1860, and later became associated with
J. W. Cottrell. In 1806 he embarked in the grocery
»nd hardwarii bnsineas, and has since been thus oc-
cupicil. He is also largely interested in real estate
transactions, and has erected many dwellings in the
borough of Columbia.
He was married in 1859 to Miss Louisa, daughter
of Michael Bartsh, of Chestnut Hill, Lancaster Co.,
to whom were born children, — Mary, Frederick,
Amelia, and William.
Mr. Bucher, in 1857, had partially decided upon
California as a future home, but was intluenced by
circumstances to return to Pennsylvania after an ex-
tended tour,<.including a journey of great interest
through the South.
He revisited his native land in 1880, having trav-
eled extensively through Germany, France, and Italy.
The journey was made with a view to reviving the
scenes of his childhood experiences and enjoying the
companionship of his mother and three sisters, who
still occupy the parental abode. Mr. Bucher, while
in the hardware business, was successful in the in-
vention of a stove for heating purposes, which was
patented in 1858. A disastrous fire having destroyed
the patterns, prevented the manufacture of the article.
He is an active Odd-Fellow and a member of the
Susquehanna Lodge, No. 80, of Columbia, as also of
the Artisans' Order of Mutual Protection of the
same borough.
In politics he is a Republican, though not an
active politician.
ANDREW J. MUSSER.
Peter Musser, the great-grandfather of the subject
of this biographical sketch, was of Swiss parentage,
and married a Miss Dietz, to whom were born chil-
dren,— John, Christian, Henry, Peter, and Annie.
Peter, of this number, was born Nov. 29, 1776, in Lan-
caster County, and died July 2, 1848, in his seventy-
second year. He married Elizabeth Rhorer, of the
same county, who was born Aug. 14, 1788, and died
Oct. 8, 1822, in her thirty-fifth year. Their children
were Henry R., Mary, Annie, Joseph, and Betsey.
Henry R. was born June 18, 1808, and died June 1,
1873, in his sixty-fifth year. He w;is three times mar-
ried, the second union having been with Annie, only
daughter of John and Barbara Mouk. Their chil-
dren were Elias HT, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin
Franklin, Andrew Jackson, and Barbara Ann, who
became Mrs. Horn. Andrew Jackson was born March
2, 1841, in Lancaster County. Tlie early years qf his
life were spent in West Ilempfield township, his home
after his fourth year having been with his maternal
grandfather, John Mouk. At the age of eighteen he
removed to Columbia, and served an apprenticeship
of three years at the trade of cabinet-maker, subse-
quently pursuing his vocation until Aug. 9, 1862,
when he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and
Thirty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
served for a period of nine months, during which
time he participated in the battles of Fredericksburg
and ChauQellorsville. On his return he resumed his
trade, which was continued until 1871, when lie pur-
chased the old and established business of George
Seibert, cabinet-maker and undertaker, which he has
greatly enlarged, having added extensive facilities
for fine upholstering.
596
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Mr. Musser was married in 1861 to Miss Cassandra
E., daugliter of John and Mary Shenberger, of York
County, Pa. Their children are John S. and Frank
B., both of whom are associated with their fatlier in
business.' Mr. JIusser is in politics an active Repub-
lican. He has been for three years a member of the
Council of the borough of Columbia, and was during
the last year its president. He is also an entliusiastic
Mason and member of the Columbia Lodge, No. 286,
of Free and Accepted Masons. He is a member of
the Susquehanna Lodge, No. 80, of Independent
Order of Odd-Fellows, in which he has taken all the
degrees, and was representative to the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Artisans'
Order of Mutual Protection of Columbia, and a di-
rector of the Commonwealth Mutual Insurance Com-
pany of Columbia, as also of the Columbia Building
and Loan Association. Mr. Musser, in business en-
terprise and public spirit, is among the foremost citi-
zens of the place of his residence.
HENRY II. HEISE.
The Heise family are of Swiss extraction and early
settlers in Lancaster County. Solomon Heise, the |
grandfather of Henry H., was a resident of \Vest
Hempfield, where he followed farming empleyments.
He married Patience Bethel, of Scotch descent, and
had children, — Samuel B., Henry, George W., Fred-
erick K., Susan, and Elizabeth. The death of Mr.
Heise occurred on the homestead March 16, 1833, in
his seventy-second year, and that of his wife March
28, 1855, aged eighty-two years. His son Henry was
born during the year 1804 at the homestead, where
he conducted farming on an extensive scale. He
married Anna, daughter of John and Franey Forrey,
the latter of whom died in West Hempfield township
in her one hundred and fourtli year. Mr. Heise mar-
ried a second time Miss Hannah Heidler, uiece of
John and Franey Forrey, of Raplio township. Their
children were Henry H., Benjamin F., Elizabeth
(Mrs. Noll), Aniui M. (deceased), Salinda H. (Mrs.
Wilmot), Sarah H. (Mrs. Agnew). Mr. Heise died
Feb. 10, 1862, in his sixtieth year. Henry H., his
son, was born June 30, 1840, in West Hempfield
township, his childhood having been sijeiitlat the
home of his parents. He availed himself of such ad-
vantages as the neighboring school afforded, and after-
wards engaged in labor on the farm. In 1866 he be-
came a pupil at the People's^ Business College at
Reading, Pa., aud in 1867 made an extended tour
through Europe. In 1870 he embarked in the hard-
ware business in Columbia, where he is still an active
merchant. He was married April 28, 1874, to Miss
Susan, daughter of John S. Mellingcr, of Creswell,
Manor township. Their children are Harry Elvin,
uiigest bat) aina acquired the
t of telegntphy,
who resides with his uncle, Dr. David Mellinger, Ih
Manor township, and Susan Florence, who died in
infancy. Mrs. Heise died Jan. 11, 1877.
TJie firm of Heise & Kauffman, with which Mr.
Heise was formerly connected, is the patentee of
Heise ife'Ivauflman's " patent combined feed tobacco
and heating steamer," and Mr. Heise is the patentee
of H. H. Heise's latest improved "hydraulic ram."
For both of the.se an extended demand has been cre-
ated. Since the sjiring of 1883 Mr. Heise has beea
sole owner of the extensive hardware business for-
merly conducted with his partner. He is in politics
a Republican, but not an ardent politician. He is a
director of the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Company
of Columbia and of the Commonwealth Fire Insur-
ance Company, also of Columbia. The family are in
their religious belief Presbyterians, and Henry H.
lias not departed from the faith of his ancestors.
WILLI.\M P.\TTON.
Mr. Patton is of Irish extraction, his grandfather
having been JMatthew Patton, who resided in the
County Tyrone, Ireland. Among his children was
James, born in 1788, who still survives in his ninety-
fifth year. He emigrated to America in 1817, and
having purchased a tract of land in Chester County
Pa., devoted his life to farming employments. He
married Ann, daughter of Samuel Ramsey, of County
Armagh, Ireland, and had children,— William, Scott,
Harriet (who became Mrs. Burton), aud five who are
deceased. Their son William was born May 12, 1817,
in the County Tyrone, Ireland, and with his parents
came to America when an infant. His boyhood until
his twenty-second year was spent in Chester Couuty,
where he was principally engaged in labor upon the
farm.
Having received the appointment of State agent on
the Philadelphitt and Columbia Railroad, he held the
office for one year, after which he became connected
with the road as locomotive engineer. In the fall of
1841 he married Miss Susan, daughter of Jo.?eph
Withers, and granddaughter of John Withers, who
was a captain in Col. John Ferree's battalion during
the Revolution, and later a farmer in Strasburg town-
ship. The children of Mr. Patton are Emma, Anna
F., Olivia, Josephine, and Clara (Mrs. Denny). The
year of his marriage Mr. Patton purchased a forward-
ing house, lumber- aud coal-yard at Fair View, Lan-
caster Co. At the expiration of the third year he re-
ceived an appointment as train dispatcherat Columbia,
and also embarked in the lumber and coal business
in that borough. Two years later he, with his brother,
engaged in mercantile interests, having still retained
the former business.
Mr. Patton, in 1852, turned his attention to con-
tracting, having as the initiatory step built the round-
house for the State in connection with the Columbia
Railroad. He later constructed the larger part of
.^^i^^ ^^l/z:.
MOUNT JOY BOROUGH.
597
lie Huntingilon and Broad Top Railroad and the
Stonerstown bridge.
. Togetlier with other partaers lie also built eighty- j
two miles of the western end of the Pliiladelphia and |
Erie Railroad. He returned to Columbia and ein- j
barked in the iron business as general manager of the j
Susquehanna Iron Company's works, with wliich
interest he has been since identified.
This industry, under his competent supervision, [
has become one of the most successful iron interests
of the State, its products being unsurpassed in qual-
ity by any rolling-mill in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Patton has been largely identified with the j
growth and development of tlie borough of Columbia,
and for many years actively interested in building
enterprises. He is a director in both the Susque-
hanna Iron Company and the Keely Stove Company.
In religion he is a supporter and member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Columbia, with which
Mrs. Patton and their daughters are also connected.
In politics he has during his lifetime espoused the
principles of the Democratic party.
.■- MILTON WIKE.
•< George Wike, the grandfather of Milton, emigrated
from Germany and settled in Lancaster County, where
he followed his trade of slioemaker. Later he re-
moved to Columbia, where lie continued to be indus-
triously employed. He was twice married, and had
children, — George, John, and three daughters, Mary
(Mrs. Henry Mathiot), Sarah (Mrs. John Hudders)
snd Betsey (Mrs. Mullen). Mr. VVike's death occurred
in Columbia in advanced years. His son, George, was
born in the above borough, Jan. 11, 1805, in the im-
mediate vicinity of which his life was spent. He ac-
quired the trade of a coo|>er, but soon after followed
llie life of a boatman, and became a pilot on the Sus-
quehanna River. Subsequently he engaged in con-
tracting, and built a portion of the Tide-Water Canal,
extending from Wriglitsville to Havre-de-Grace. He
was on the 2i;th of April, 1827, married to Sarah,
(laughter of John Eberlin, of Columbia. Their chil-
dren are Susan, John F. E., Milton, Ann Jane (Mrs.
Wall), Nathaniel E., Emma Frances, George Wash-
ington, Henry M., Hannah G. (Mrs. Mullen), :Sjimuel
F., Andrew J., Albert, Eunice (Mrs. Stair), and Frank-
lin. George Wike died Dec. 31, 1857, in his fifly-
accond year. His widow, who survives him, resides
la Columbia.
, Milton Wike was born Jan. 25, 1831, in Manor
town.ship, and removed when an infant with his
parents to Columbia, where he attended during his
youth the public school of the borough. He then be-
canie familiar with the business of a butcher, which
was for several years successfully conducted, after
which he engaged in the purdiase and sale of stock.
lie later retired from active business pursuits and de-
toted his attention to a farm owued by him in Martic
township. He was in January, 1861, married to
Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Hinkel, of Columbia.
Their children are George, Edith, and Flora. Mr.
Wibe is in politics a Republican, He has for three
successive terms been elected school director of the
borough of Columbia, and was a member of its Coun-
cil during the period of the late war. He is also one
of the board of directors of the Old Columbia Public
Grounds. He is a member of Columbia Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Cyrene Com-
mandery of Knights Templar of Columbia. Mr.
Wike's family worship with tlie Lutheran denomina-
tion, of which hi- is a liberal supporter.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Mi.)[!NT JOY BOROUGI
The borough of Mount Joy is a handsome and
thrifty town situated upon the Pennsylvania Rail-
road, twelve miles west of Lancaster. Tlie Lancaster
and Ilarrisburg turnpike passes through the town
and forms its principal street. The earliest habita-
tions within the present limits of Mount Joy were
two taverns, which were built upon this thoroughfare
many years before it was made a turnpike, and they
may be considered the nuclei around which the town
was developed. The first of these was a house which
stood on the northern or Mount Joy side of the turn-
pike, and now forms a portion of the Exchange
Hotel. It was a small brick house, built by Alex-
ander Campbell in 1708. These facts were for many
years set forth upon a stone which capped the apex
of the brick arch of a dormer-window, so that he who
ran might read, but when the structure was altered
and improved tlig stone was dislodged from its po-
sition, and it is now said to be in the attic of the hotel.
The second tavern was on the southern or Donegal
township side of the stage-road, where it is crossed
by the Manheim road, in the western part of the town.
The farm embracing this neighborhood was purchased
at an early day by Michael Nichels, and the house
was built by him in 1783. It stood upon the now
vacant corner lot adjoining the residence of Mr. Hil-
debrand, and was known as "The Cross-Keys."
Nichels liad a wife, Eva, who was a virago, noted for
her ungovernable temper. The place thus became
widely known as "the three crosses,"— the cross-
roads, "The Cross-Keys," and "the cross landlady."
This tavern was carried on until a comparatively
recent date by various landlords, and was finally de-
stroyed by lire. A stone from the old building is now
to be seen in the rear wall of the Washington Hotel
or Plumnier House. It bears in clearly legible char-
acters this inscription : " Erbaut durch Michael Nickels
ct: Eva, 1783,"— that is, built by Michael and Eva
598
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Nichels. " The Cross-Keys" was a favorite place of
resort for the roistering convivialists of tlie region
round about in Mount Joy, Rapho. and Donegal
townships long years before the town, which after-
wards included it within its bounds, was laid out,
and while its site was covered with woods. During
the Whiskey Insurrection, at a militia training there,
several persons spoke loudly in favor of the insurgents,
declaring they were ready to go to their assistance.
They were subsequently arrested and taken to Lan-
caster, but excused themselves by saying that their
apparent disloyalty was only the result of a drinking
bout.
Rohrerstown. — The first or eastern portion of the
town was laid out in September, 1811, by Jacob
Rohrer, who came from Sporting Hill, and was called
Rohrerstown. It consisted of one hundred and thirty-
four lots, laid out around a centre square, and equally
divided by the Lancaster and Harrisburg turnpike.
A lottery was devised for the distribution of lots,
alter a common custom of tlie time, and tickets were
sold at eighty-five dollars each. They were not all
immediately disposed of, but those remaining in
Rohrer's possession were sold within two or three
years. Rohrer built the wooden portion of the E.x-
change Hotel as an addition to the old tavern erected
in .1768, which has already been described, and a small
building adjoining the site of the present National
Bank, in which he kept the first store within the
present limits of Mount Joy. Prior to this time the
nearest store had been one kept by a Mr. lleeser, one
mile west of the site of Mount Joy, on the Manheim
road, where now is the farm-house of Abram Hiestand,
in Rapho township.
Rohrer removed soon after the war of 1812 to Ma-
rietta, and became president of a bank organized
there, which finally met with disaster. Prior to that
time, however, he returned to the town which he had
founded, and served here many years as magistrate.
He died in Mount Joy about 1840.
The newly laid out village was settled with consid-
erable rapidity during the war of 1812 and the few
years following, but afterwards, for a score of years,
the accessions of population were few.
One of the early residents' of Mount Joy, or Roh-
rerstown, has given the writer facts concerning the
early history of the village, which enable iiim to pre-
sent quite a complete view of the place as it appeared
in the war of 1812 period. He estimates that it then
contained thirty-three families, and identifies the lo-
cations of all the houses. Where Dr. Zeigler now
lives, on the north side of the Main Street and the
corner nf the Centre Square, was a house built by Brice
Ciirran, in 1812, for a residence, buc soon given up by
him to James Sterrett who kept in it the second store
' Robert Dysart, of Lapciistc
that was opened in the village. On the adjoining
property west was a house built in 1812 by a Mr.
Wilkinson, who became afterwards a justice of the
peate. There were two houses between this and the
place where the railroad crosses, the first occupied by
a Mr. Earl and the second by the Galbraith family.
Beyond, where the E.xehange Hotel now is, was the
small tavern, built in' 17G8, which has been described,
and beyond that came what is now the bank build-
ing, Rohrer's store. When Rohrer left the new vil-
lage his stock in this store was taken by Jacob Myers,
who sold goods for many years. Myers lived beyond
this store in a one-story log house which had been
built before the town was laid out, and probably as
early as 1780. This house is still standing, and is
weather-boarded, so that it does not look much older
than some of its neighboring dwellings. It is occu-
pied by the widow of Jacob Myers, Jr. Henry Myers
is now the oldest native-born resident of the borough.
On the same side of the street a.nd east of the square,
in the order given, were houses built and occupied by
Mr. IMencer, John Mateer, and Frederick Hoffman,
and at the e.xtreme east end was the gate-house of
the turnpike. Another toll-house 'was soon after
built, to take the place of this one, and it was re-
moved into a more central location, and became the
first shop of the town. It has been for more than
half a century occu[iied as a shoe-shop by Alexander
Dysart. Altogether there were twelve houses on the
north side of the street in 1812.
On the south side of the street there were seven.
The first one which would appear to a traveler ap-
proaching the village from the east was a small house
owned by Jlrs. Jane Dysart. Back of it was another
log habitation. These houses were built by Martin
Krider, probably in 1810. They were not within the
limits of the town proper. Going west, the next
house was a two-story brick, built by Mr. Mancer,
and now ownecLand occupied by James A. Patterson.
Near the up])er corner of the square was a double log
house, which was built by Perry Woods. It is now
weather boarded. Tlie building now occupied as a
newspaper office by Mr. Hoft'er was not in existence
in the period of which we write, but was erected by
John Brindler about 1817. The next house, now
used as a restaurant by James Mooney, was built in
1815, and owned until very recently by Robert Dy-
sart. Then came the Red Lion tavern, built by a Mr.
Navy, a cabinet-maker. It forms a part of the pres-
ent large building. The original structure was occu-
pied at different periods both for store and tavern
purposes, its best-known proprietor in the latter
being Oakey Henderson, wiio began as landlord
aboufl818, and keiit it for many years. Just bofoio
coming to tlie Marietta turnpike the traveler would
see the two houses now owned by Messrs. McFarlaud
and Longnecker. The first of these, like Jlyers', on
the opposite side of the turnpike, was probably built
before the town was laid out. This house was owned
MOUNT JOY BOROUGH.
599
i
H
by David McNeely, from Bucks County, wlio added I
a second story, and tlie adjoining one by liis son, wlio
bore the same name and was a captain.
On Donegal Street, tlie first house on tlie south side |
was a small one, built prior to 1812 by a weaver
niiined Snell, who lived in it during the war. An-
drew and Nancy Dysart, Avther and mother of Robert
and Alexander Dysart, lived in a double log house
on tlie right-hand side of the street, nearly opposite
Snell's. This house was built by Alexander Patter-
son. Farther westward was the log residence of John
Hayes, who owned a number of lots on this street.
On Barbara Street there were in 1812 ten houses,
five of which were on the northern side. The first,
counting from the east, belonged to a Widow Tod, and
the next, a small log, to one Craig, while the third,
a double log house, was occupied by James Laird,
the fourth was the property of John .-Vlsbaugh, a
cooper, and the fifth a house which John Mateer
had built for his daughter, a widow. On the south
side of the street, James Laird had a butcher-shop at
the corner of the street which runs north and south
through the square, and a little west of this street was
the residence of the Donahue family, of which one of
the sons, James, is still a resident of the borough.
Still farther west were the houses of Mrs. Sherrer and
Mary Eshelnian, and the last of the five was a small
log house owned by Joseph Lytle and builf before the
town was laid out. This was on the lot now owned
by McFarland and Breneuian.
These were all the houses in Rolirerstown during
the period of the second war with Great Britain, but
many others were built soon after its close, among
tbeni the Bell school-house. In the mean time, how-
ever, another town had been platted, which was ulti-
mately to be merged with that which we have de-
scribed.
Richland. — The period of the war of 1812 was one
prolific in projects for land s|)eculation, and among
them was the laying out of a town at the cross-roads
■ as a rival of Rolirerstown. This flat embraced lauds
lying both north and south of the turnpike from Lan-
caster to Harrisburg, in Mount Joy and Donegal town-
ships, and included the old "Cross-Keys" tavern,
which was spoken of at the outset of this chapter.
The lands lying in proximity to this tavern had been
owned by Michael Nichels. The deeds .set fJirth that
his executors sold to Peter Linderwood and Peter
Bishop, who sold to Christian Leih, who in turn .sold
to John Bartrutf, of Manheim, and that he then laid
out one hundred and twenty-two lots in 1812. It also
appears that Hoffer and Roth were engaged in the
enterprise, and it is certain that their plans in laying
out llie town were not consummated until 1814, and
iven then many of the lots were not sold. Richland
did not grow so fast as Rohrerstown, but made some
progress. The taverns of Richland and Rolirerstown
did a more thriving business than any other insti-
tution, and their patronage was derived princi|ially
from the teamsters of the great Conestoga wagons.
One old resident of Mount Joy says that he has often
seen at early day over fifty of these teams, each of
fiiur horses, quartered for the night at the stables of
the two taverns, while the drivers crowded the houses
to their utmost capacity.
As time passed on the lands lying along the turn-
pike between Rohrerstown and Richland were platted
in lots by small parcels. The first was the triangular
piece of ground lying between JIain Street, the Ma-
rietta turnpike, and Delta Street. This five and a
half acres was covered with timber when it was bought
by Christian Choick, in 1828, for eight hundred dol-
lars. He cleared it and laid it out in lots in 1830.
In 1834 or the following year Jacob Walleck (or
Wallich), who had a long, narrow strip of land run-
ning across the Lancaster and Harrisburg turnpike
to the Manheim road, laid it off in eighty lots, which
be disposed of by a lottery. He removed to the West
not long after this transaction, some features in which
had made him unpopular.
Henry Eshelnian laid out a small addition on the
south side of the pike and several others surveyed oft"
a few lots, while George Myers laid out what was
called the " Richland extension."
Lots were sold in all of these plats and buildings
erected, and the two original villages gradually grew
together and became practically one, which slowly
and evenly increased in population and prosperity.
Incorporation as a Borough.— Mount Joy was
incorporated as a borough by act of the Assembly
passed Feb. 10, 1851, and its boundaries were made
to include Rohrerstown, Richland, and the several
other plots or addition.s lying between them, and
upon April 1st of that .year the following persons,
having received a majority of the votes, were, by
Justice of the Peace J. Shertzer, installed as the first
officers, viz. : Burgess, Joseph Hougendobler ; Clerk,
Jacob Stautfer; Treasurer, A. Strickler ; Town Coun-
cil, (West Ward) Samuel Miniclian, Henry Bender,
John Reams, (East Ward) Henry Sliafl'ner, Samuel
Dyer, James Moore.
Following are the principal officers for each subse-
quent year :
BunOKSSES.— 13,-wc Shortzer, 18o2-54; John Patterson, 1855; B. M.
GreiJer, lS5e-67 ; Jc.hu H, Ilrenoraaii, 1858; S. M. Sljera, 1S50;
Jac"l> Urich, 18r,ll-Gl ; C. U. Martin, 1802: ,1. L. Ziiiglar, 1803-64;
B M. Giviik'i, 1805-72; Ilerjry Slwiffjior, 1873-70; Jease Kennedy,
1877; B. M. Greiiler, 1878-83.
C1.EUKS.— J. Stauff.T, 1S52-58; 0. W. Johnson, 1850-09 ; J. B. Landis,
186:1; B. K. El.urle, 18M ; J, E. Cosset, 1805-00; G. H. Henilrickson,
1807-71 ; A. K. Maltiii, 1872-83. ■
Treasurers.— A. Strickler, 1852; Jacob Uilch, 1853; L. Ricksecker,
-(T«
ea
h war
)-!'.
He
Ul
in H
IK
11. Shaffno
r, 1852; H.I
I, Grolnerand
W
Iliam
Brady,
18
il
II.
SI
hfTian' and
11. n..n.lor,
1855 ; Samuel
K
hran.
Saujn
-1 ^
rs.
d,"
0; J. Leade
and 1!. Flui
y, 1857; Sam-
KJnil
11
H
lid.
S5S ; J. B.
.andls and
Urnbe, 1859;
Bi
ijan.ir
El.y 1
Ml
[.
She
\.
hn, I860;S
Patterson n
nJ P. Ilelman,
IS
1; J.
.iM.ler
an
. G
ru
.e, 1802 ; F.
A. Uitker a
id A. M Her-
sh
y, 181)
; S. U
1).
er
and
11
F. Nn^ttay
18i;4;C. SU
der and John
Jebra
dt, IS
U5;
U
F.
Cb
rle and Ja
oh Ilamake
r, 1860; J. L.
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
liODgiiecker and P. Ilelman, 1867 ; Eli Hamaker and S. H. Kurtz,
1S68 ; William Kulin and li. F. Kborle, ISGO; D. Boyce and P. Hel-
niiiD, 1S70 ; S. H. KuTlz and C. Cnil.B, 1871 ; Eli Hamaker and Wil-
liam Kulin, 1872; .Lilin M Brandt and U. F. Stager, 187:!; S. H.
Knrtz aud P. Uelman, 1874 ; John B. Shelly and Henry Garber,
1875; S. N. Eby and H. F. Stager, 187H ; C. li. Kissly and S. H.
Kurtz, 1877; A. Dilliiifer, B. Husti'tter (Iliree years), aud J. II.
Uober (two years), 1878; S. N. El.y and H. F, Stag.T, 1879; A. F.
Uuot and Joseph Detwiler, 1880 ; S. S. V. Lytle aud B. Hosttlter,
1881 ; S. N. Eby and M. M. Urubaker, ISS'i ; Juaelih Detwiler and
M. Hininirltimrk, ISSn.
Justices u I ;:!t P ^^ ■ U^..hV. T i.j, \|ri; 1 , ls51 ; Janiee Moore,
Apiil 11 - : 1 ~ ' ' I , . , r M. Martin, Aj.ril
10,ls:.i I ■ K I - V : ,; 1 ■ 1 X. Shay, June 10,
1836; .1 III - l:,:l .> M . I, _.,:-.. I,, i. Uri'ch, May 6, 1858;
0. M M;uliu, April ■.', l.-GI; Jtliu ir Ilrii.eman, Aliril 9,1801;
Christian Stholl, April 9, 1861 ; Janies A. Patterson, April 14. ISBa ;
EobertMcFadden, April 14, 1863; C. M. Martin, April 14,1866; C.
W. JoluiHon, April 14, 18B6; George R. Hendrickson, April 14,1868;
Robert McFadden, April 14, 1868; C. M. Martin, April 14,1871;
J. H. Zeller, April 14, 1872 ; Robert McFadden, April 14, 1873 ; F. A.
Ricker, April 14, 1874; U. M. Martin, April 14, 1876 ; F. A. Eicker,
April 14, 1876; John U. Zeller, April 14, 1877; Rubert McFadden,
April 14, 1878 ; R. U. Long, April 14, 1870 ; F. A. Ricker, April 14,
1881; Robert McFadden, April 14, 1883.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy
Trinity.— Ori^'iiutlly tlie Liulierans of this neigh-
borhood IbriiR'd a part of the JIaytown congregation,
but in the year 1827 the Mount Joy members resolved
to form a churcli of their own. They at first met in
the school-house, but the society increasing in size
they built a cliurch in 1829 (the corner-stone being
laid August 15th, on which occasion there was preach-
.ing in both English and German). The building
committee consisted of the following persons : Samuel
Dyer, John Beard, Peter Lindenmuth, Henry Walt-
man. The society was organized and the church built
under the pastoral care of Rev. J. Frederick Ruthrautt',
who commenced his labors with the congregation
Dec. 15, 1827. He remained as pastor until March
15, 1832, when he was succeeded by Rev. John H.
Berneheiin. After the severance of his connection
with the church, in 1838, Rev. P. Sahm became pas-
tor, and remained until 1835. Since that time to the
present the pulpit has been filled by the following
ministers, viz.: Rev. Miller, 1835-38; L. Gerhart,
1838-45; W. Heilig, 1845-49 ; J. W. Menges, 1849-
50 ; G. W. Scheide, for period of three months ; J. U.
Christ, 1852-55; William G. Laitzell, 185(i-62; D. P.
Rosenmiller, six months, 1865; a Committee of Con-
ference, 1SG6-67 ; J. W. Early, 1867-68 ; F. )V. Weis-
katlin, 1868-73; G. H. Tiabert, 187 3-77; iT. J. H.
Lamicke, 1877-81. Since the last date the congrega-
tion has been served by a Committee of Conference.
United Brethren.— As nearly as can be ascer-
tained, there was preaching by the United Brethren
in Mount Joy as early as 1829. Revs. Neidig, Rupp,
and the Lights (Felix, John, and Casper) were for
year.s accustomed to preach in what was known as tlie
OKI lieil .Sclioiil hoiif-e, which was used as a preaching-
phtce by a number of ministers of ditlerent denomi-
nations before they had their own churches. In 1860
a class was organized in Mount Joy, with George
Geyer as leader. He kept up regular class- and
pyiyer-meetings for a number of years. In 1865-6G,
Rev. L. Peters, who was then preaching on Lancaster
Circuit, took up a Sunday afternoon appointment in
I the Lutheran Church of this place, aud thus prepared
the way for the building of a house of worship. Ac-
I cordingly the Quarterly Conference of Lancaster Cir-
cuit assembled at Springville (now Florin) May 25,
1867, appointed George Geyer, S. S. Rover, George
Eby, John Miller, and John Shroff as trustees, with
instructions to build a church in Mount Joy, in con-
formity with the discipline of the United Brethren in
Christ. The corner-stone was laid July 28, 1867, by
Revs. E. Light and W. S. H. Keys, D.D., and the
church building dedicated Jan. 19, 1868, by Bishop
J. J. Glosbrenner, D.D., assi.sted by E. Light, Father
Stehman, I. Carpenter, and others. The church edi-
. lice was erected under the pastorate of Revs. Hack-
! man and Evers, at an aggregate cost of seven thousand
dollars, about five thousanii dollars of which amount
I was paid at the time of dedication and the remainder
I in 1875, during the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Etter, at
I which time the interior was also refitted at consider-
I able expense. At the Annual Conference of IMiS,
Rev. D. 0. Farrell was appointed to the circuit and
served one year, after which Rev. J. C. Mumma served
two years. At the Annual Conference held in Mount-
ville. Pa., March 8, 1871, Mount Joy was constituted
a station, embracing Strickler's Church and the town
tif Mount Joy, and Rev. John Fohl appointed the
pastor for one year. The church was served from
1872 to 1875 byRev. J. R. Meredith, and from 1875
to 1877 by Rev. J. W. Etter. In 1876, Strickler's
Church was detached from Mount Joy and united
with- Spring Garden Circuit. In 1878 a i]arsonage
was built adjoining the church at a cost of about two
thousand five hundred dollars, under the pa.storate of
Rev. J. K. Fisher. In 1879, Rev. M. P. Doyle, of the
Allegheny Conference, was appointed preacher Id
charge until 1881, when he was succeeded by Rev. G.
W. M. Rigor, who served two years. The church,
since 1868, has been steadily growing in numerical
strength and moral influence, and now numbers one
hundred and twelve members. Rev. J. W. Etter is
the i)resent pastor.
Methodist Episcopal Church.'— There was a
classnieeting oigiinized here about 1834, of twenty
members, of which Samuel Mehlrum was the leader.
Susquehanna Mission was a circuit, of which Mount
Joy was one of the appointments, and the years and
preachers as they appear in the general minutes are
as follows: 1836, T. B. Tibbies; l.S;i7, T. B. Tibbies
and J. A.Watson; 1838, T. Kumplion ; 1839-40,11.
Sutton; 1841, J. Edwards; 1842, J. Edwards and J.
H. Wythe; 1843, E. Reed and J. W. Arthur; 1844,
MOUNT JOY BOROUGH.
601
L. K. Berridge and S. Pancoast; in 1845 the circuit
was called Mount Joy, and the preachers were R. Mc-
Naiiiee and A. W. Milby ; in 184G the circuit was
called Marietta, and the preacher was R. McNaniee;
1847-48, John Ruth ; 1849, R. M. Greenbank ; 1850,
R. M. Greenbank and S. R. Gillingham ; 1851, M. D.
Kurtz and W. H. Burreli ; in 1852, Mount Joy be-
came a separate cliarge, and G. W. Brindle was
preacher, and in 1853 was again appointed ; 1854, J.
T. Gracey; 1855-56, Thomas Montgomery; 1857, J.
Cook; 1858, J. M. Wheeler; 1859-GO, A. Howard;
1861, T. Kirkpatrick; 1862-63, O. W. Landreth ;
1864-65, J. Stringer; 1866-67, J. T. Miller; 1868, A.
Howard; 1869-70, S. A. Heilner; 1871, J. Robinson;
1872-73, T. Harrison ; 1874, J. A. Watson ; 1875-76,
J. Dungan; 1877-78, M. Graves; 1879-80, W. H.
Aspril; 1881-82, C. Roads; 1883. Thomas Mont-
gomery.
The old church was built in 1837, and sold in 1867.
The basement of the brick church was dedicated Jan.
12, 1868. The whole edifice was completed and paid
for in 1882,— value 810,000. Thechurch waschartered
Sept. 2, 1867. The parsonage, valued at $1500, on
the same lot as the church, was built in 1877, and has
a debt of $1000.
The number of members and probationers is sev-
enty-five ; the Sabbath-school, si.xteen officers and I
teachers; seventy-five scholars.
The official members of the church are: Trustees,
H. H. Mellinger (president),' W. H. Metzgar (.secre-
tary), E. M. Trexler (treasurer), A. H. Comp, W. C.
T. Reed, A. B. Cling, B. M. Root; Exhorters, Alex-
ander Dysart, H. H. Mellinger, W. C. F. Reed, J. T.
Wilson; Leader of Class No. 1, A. Dysart; Leader
of Classes Nos. 2 and 3, pastor; Sunday-school Super-
iutendent, J. T. Wilson.
, First Presbyterian Church.'— This church was
organized by the Rev. E. Phelps, of the Third Pres-
bytery of Philadelphia, assisted by the Rev. William
Ramsey, of the First Presbytery of Philadelphia, on
the 1st day of December, 1839, and consisted at that
time of eighteen members. William D. Slaymaker
and John H. Brown were elected as elders, and David
McNeely and Amos H. Slaymaker as deacons. Rev.
James W. Phillips, of the Presbytery of Winchester,
waa unanimously elected pastor Feb. 3, 1840, (ind in-
(talleil by the Presbytery of Harrisburg on the 19th
of June succeeding. The charter of the church was
obtained Aug. 4, 1840, and the present house of wor-
ship was erected that year. The trustees under the
charter, who presumably superintended the building,
were Joseph Pinkerloti, David McNeely, Sr., Amos
11. Slaymaker, James W. Hendrickson, and James
l,iiifd. Rev. James W. Philli[)s, the first pastor, re-
signed his charge in the sjiring of 1S41, and from the
fall of that year until February, 1845, Rev. H.Loomis
lerved as stated supply. Rev. -J. Miller was called as
iBy Mr. S. 0. Pinkurlon.
pastor in March, 1845, and resigned in the spring of
1847, being succeeded by Rev. Franklin Harris as
stated supply from 1847 to September, 1850. Rev.
J. L. Rodgers was elected pastor in Jfay, 1852, in-
stalled in November, and remained until 1856. The
church in 1852 was transferred, at its own request, from
the care of the Presbytery of Harrisburg to the Pres-
bytery of Donegal. In the summer of the same year
the church building was removed. Resuming the
succession of ministers, we find that the Rev. James
Smith was called as pastor in 1857, and resigned after
eleven years' service, in 1868. Tlie Rev. John Edgar
was elected to fill his place Jan. 13, 1869, installed in
April, and resigned in April, 1870. The Rev. James
Campbell was given a call in December, 1870, but
after supplying the church for three months declined
to accept the call. From September, 1871, to April,
1880, the church was served by the Rev. W. B.
Browne as stated supply. The Rev. C. B. Whitcomb
was called as pastor in November, 1880, installed in
April, 1882, and the pastoral relation was dissolved
by the Presbytery Sept. 28, 1882. The Presbytery the
same month appointed Rev. Robert Gamble as stated
supply until the next meeting of the Presbytery, iu
April, 1883, when, on the unanimous request of the
church and congregation, he was again appointed as
a supply for six months. The elders elected since the
organization of the church have been David McNeely,
Sr., Dr. A. Sheller, E. F. Witmer, Jacob Staulfer, Rev.
N. Dodge, Thomas G. Wright, S. C. Pinkerton, and
John McFarland. Three of the elders died while
members of the session, viz., David McNeely, Sr.,
Rev. N. Dodge, and Dr. A. Sheller. John H. Browne,
William D. Slaymaker, Jacob Stauffer, and E. F.
AVMtmer, having removed from the bounds of the
church and received their certificates of membership,
ceased to act as elders. The present officers of the
church are Rev. Robert Gamble, stated supply and
moderator of sessions ; Thomas G. Wright, S. C. Pink-
erton, and John McFarland, elders. The trustees
are John Pinkerton, John McFarland, S. C. Pinker-
ton, Simon J. Eby, and S. S. P. Lytle.
The Evangelical Church.— The first book of
records of this church has been lost, but the deed of
the lot on which its house of worship stands shows
that it was bought Oct. 13, 1843, of D. Maurer.
The trustees of the church at that time must have
been David Grissinger and Lewis Halmler, of Rich-
land (by which name the western portion of what is
now this borough was called), and C. Hannebeger, of
Mount Joy township,— at least they were the persons
to whom the pro[)erty was deeded. The same year
that this lot was purchased, Rev. John Hensel then
being pastor, a church edifice was erected. This was
used for thirty-seven years, or until 1880, when the
present structure was built. It was dedicated by
Rev. W. H. llershey July 25th, and since July 25,
1881, the society which w<irshiiis in it has been served
by the present pastor. Rev. J. W. Hoover.
602
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
St. Mary's Catholic Church.— There being no
Catholic Church in Mount Joy, the Rev. Anthony F.
Kaul, rector of St. Anthony's Church, Lancaster,
tooli measures in the spring of 1879 to organize a
congregation with the few families located tliere and
in the immediate vicinity.
He selected the lots corner of David and New
Haven Streets, and purchased the same from Henry
Garber for four hundred and fifty dollars. He erected
a two story brick building thirty-six by forty feet, of
which the first floor is used as a chapel, and the sec-
ond is a hall divided into rooms suitable for scliool
and parochial residence.
For two years it was attended by Rev. A. Kaul,
then the Rev. Charles McMonigle attended for one
year, and now Rev. Jules Foin, of Elizabethtown, lias
charge.
Schools.' — The e-xcelience of the public schools the
borough of Mount Joy now enjoys had its inception in
the old log school-house, which is known as the East
Ward Bell school-liouse. It was built in 1817, on
the southern terminus of what is now called Barbara
Street. In the little village of Riclilandj now a part
of IMount Joy, nine years later, in 1826, was founded
by subscription Richland Academy. This school
flourished several years, and at the same time the
building was used as a church by different denom-
inations of the community. Later Richland Acad-
emy building was used for a public school, known
as the West Ward Bell. At that time Mount
Joy had the East and the West Ward Bel! school-
houses and three primary schools, — one in the little
brick building near the IMount Joy Academy, a
second in the brick school-liouse on Cemetery road,
and another in the frame house on West Donegal
Street. In 1855 the West Ward Bell School was or-
ganized into a high school, the East Ward Bell and
the brick school-house on Cemetery road being
used for secondary schools. Another primary school
about ten years later was established in the Council
chamber on Market Street. In these buildings the
schools wereconducted until ^March, 1873. For a de-
cade prior to this time the old log and frame build-
ings were in a dilapidated condition. There was
a crying demand for more suitable accommoda-
tions. After a long-continued agitation a, fir^e school-
building was erected on a central site, which com-
mands a fine view in any direction. It is a two
and a half story building of brick, erected at a cost,
including heating apparatus, furniture, and ground,
at upwards of twenty thousand dollars. The build-
ing, which can accommodate four hundred children,
is admirably adapted for them in every particular.
The dcdgn and its execution reflects credit on Archi-
tect Albert N. Dabb and H. H. Nissley, builder,
and equally creditable is it to the board of directors,
Messrs. John Pinkerton, Benjamin Hostetter, P. A.
1 By J. B. HIppIo
Pyle, Peter Brunner, A. D. Hostetter, and Benjailiin
Root, during whose administration the school-hous*
was erected.
•In March, 1873, the schools were transferred tothii
building, and for the remainder of the term the
schoofs were conducted by the same teachers who
taught in the old buildings. In the fall of 1873 the
organization of the schools was completed by in-
creasing the number of primary schools from three to
four. The corps of teachers embraced seven, in-
cluding the principal, Mr. Douglass Patterson, of
Princeton College, class of 1852. Under his efficient'
supervision the schools reached a high standard of
excellence. At one time there were attending the
high school ten pupils, who, the following winter,
commenced to teach in the public schools in variout
parts of the county. Of the schools one who is com-|
petent to judge, County Superintendent B. F. Shaub,
in his annual report, said, " All the schools of Mount
Joy borough were in very good condition. An exam-
ination of the work of these schools, now on exhibitioo'
in Pennsylvania Educational Hall, will convince any
one of ihe neatness, thoroughness, general excellence,
and extended scope of the same." ';
Among the names of the educators who are prom-
inently identified with the school history of Mount
Joy are Rev. N. Dodge, A.M., E. L. Moore, David
Denlinger, Matthew Marble, D. M. JIartin, and Doug.'
lass Patterson.
Rev. Dodge established Cedar Hill Female Semi,
nary in 1837. Young ladies from eleven difterent
States attended this institution. The name of the
school was changed to Cedar Hill Seminary in 1874,
when Professor D. Denlinger took charge of the
school, instructing pupils of both sexes. It is now
a defunct institution.
In 1838, J. H. Brown founded the Mount Joy In
stitute for boys. Tliis school is not in operation.
Mount Joy .Academy was chartered in 1851. E. L
Moore and J. \V. Simonton were associate principals.
This building is now used for a soldiers' orphans'
Mount Joy Soldiers' Orphans' School.— The
friendless condition of two soldiers' orphans, clad in
rags and timidly asking for bread at the Executive
mansion, Harrisburg, on Thanksgiving-day, 1863, in
spired the patriotic soul of the old " War Governor"
with the idea of founding homes and asylums to
adopt and educate at the State's expense the children
of her fallen dead. The grand thought of Curtin,
directed by his untiring energy and stalwart policy,
prepared the press and the public to receive and or
ganize his beneficent scheme of placing the destitute
and fatherless under the State's providence, ll
hailed as a promise to the soldier redeemed. His wife
and little ones would be protected, and the loyal heart
of the old " Keystone" would dedicate to her fallen
sons a beautiful temple of justice, not chantij, for her
widows and orphans.
MOUNT JOY BOROUGH.
603
• Professor J. P. Wickersham, then principal of the
State Normal School at Millersville, was requested to
prepare a bill embodying the leading ideas and fea-
tures of the system, which was to be laid before the
Legislature. The carefully-prepared bill of Wicker-
thani, after many lengthy discussions, was curtailed
to a special enactment instructing the Governor to
ipprnpriate the fifty thousand dollar donation of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company to the State for the
Use and protection of the soldier's widow and child.
On the I6th of June, 1864, Hon. Thomas H. Burrowes,
LL.D., was commissioned superintendent of soldiers'
orphans and requested to continue the good work.
The several features of the defeated bill were incor-
porated in the scheme of Burrowes and presented to
the Executive. It received his approval, and became
the basis of future operations. Homes were secured
In the various sections of the State. The Old
Guard opened its doors, through Professor J. R.
Carothera, at Strasburg, in November of the same
year. His school was formally opened on the 20th
of December, 1864. But the accommodations being
Inadequate, the academy buildings at Mount Joy were
purchased of Professor E. L. Moore, A.M., and the
ilxty-four orphans in attendance transferred thither
during the annual vacation of 1865. This vacation
began July 28th and ended September 4lh.
The change from Strasburg to Mount Joy not only
lecured better facilities to the school, but was an ad-
vantage to it in other respects. Its location was now
t most desirable one. In a small rural town, beanti-
ftilly situated, healthful in climate and environments,
possessing excellent railroad conveniences, in prox-
imity to Lancaster and Harrisburg, and reputed for
the large number of its excellent citizens were cer-
tainly all that taste and comfort could desire. The
building, a three-story substantial stone structure,
with two-story structures of same material on east and
west sides, presented an inviting appearance. This
edifice is still occupied, and has a beautiful yard in
front, laid out in walks and shaded with trees.
The institution continued under the management
of Curothers. Additions were made to buildings,
•nd the number of pupils were steadily increasing.
Principal Carothers, however, did not satisfy the State
iolliorities in his supervision. A change fnis con-
templated by the school department. Finally Pro-
fessor Jesse Kennedy, then principal of the McAlister-
fille S. 0. School, was prevailed upon to purchase
the property at Mount Joy and assume control of
that school. lie took possession on the 1st day of
December, 1867.
The reputation of Kennedy inspired [mhlic confi-
dence, rlis elHcicnt administraliun attracted children
to the school until there were in attendance nearly
three hundred pupils. Improvements were made in
yards and buildings, requiring large expenditures of
money. The institTution rapidly rose in rank to a po- [
iltion among the best of the State. I
The various departments of the school were organ-
ized under a code of thorough system in this admin-
istration, and the disciidine characterized by strict
conformity to the method and practice of parental
authority in the old New England home. During
the ten years Mr. Kennedy was principal of this
school he educated and schooled for the active duties
of life quite a number of young men and women,
whose life and inrtuence have been an honorable tes-
timony of his careful training and instruction.
Congressional aspirations induced Kennedy to ne-
gotiate with Senator George W. Wright, of Mercer
County, Pa., for the sale of the school property. It was
bought, and Senator Wright took possession in Sep-
tember, 1877. The change was again a fortunate one.
The new proprietor combined with keen executive
ability a long and successful experience in schools of
this kind. He fully understood the wants and neces-
sities and wisely anticipated the wishes of his stu-
dents. The comfort and happiness of the children
were made prominent features. A home feeling was
created that moulded a sentiment for this institution
among officials and the public as "a pleasant and
happy children's home." New pupils were admitted,
swelling the attendance to three hundred and thirty-
five, the maximum, and averaging through the en-
suing years to the present about three hundred per
annum. A two-story frame building was erected ;
play-rooms for inclement weather built; pipes con-
ducting water from the town reservoir were laid and
distributed to the various departments ; other changes
were made calculated to strengthen the comfort and
convenience of the institution ; a milder policy in the
general discipline of the school was inaugurated, and
a new era dawned upon its already prosperous record.
Happy days and a contented spirit prevailed among
the wards, time sped unconsciously, and warmest
words were spoken by its occupants.
Among the i)cincipal instructors employed from its
foundation were I. M. Gable, from 1869 to 1872, now
a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church ;
George G. Kunkle, three years principal teacher, and
now superintendent public schools, Bethlehem, Pa.;
George W. Geiger, two years, uow engaged in some
Western business; Joseph M. Martin, from 1877 to
spring of 1880, now financial clerk of firm of William-
son & Foster, Lancaster, Pa.; M.J. Brecht, from 1880
to fall of 1883, now superintendent of public schools
Lancaster County ; and J. li. Hi|)ple, a young man
of recognized proles^imial merit, its present principal
and educator.
Col. Wright has continued as the able manager of
the home. While engrossed in various business in-
terests', he ever jealously guarded the trust rnntidcil to
his charge. Hundreils have gone out from his fos-
tering care to combat with life's difticulties to achieve
honor and distinction. A brief resume of the inner'
life in the iii^tiluliuii under the senator's administra-
tion will Kive the reader a more intelligent idea of
604
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
the nature and object of these schools. The boys
wear a full blue cadet uniform, with State buttons,
while the girls are well dressed in neat modern styles
of flannel and Gerster goods. Personal cleanliness is
tau<rlit, and all the children receive regularly an entire.
bath once a week. The industrial training receives
marked attention. Every child obtains daily practice
in the regular routine labor of domestic and farm
work. The girls are taught to sew by hand and ma-
chine, to cut and fit ordinary clothing, to do fancy
work, to handle the flat'-iron as well as the pen or
drawing-pencil.
In moral and religious culture, the child has been
taught to appreciate the beautiful in life, the excel-
lent in character. Sabbath-school has been held in
the home every Sabbath. Church attendance is en-
joined as a regular Sabbath duty. Worship, accom-
panied by scriptural talks, has been held regularly
morning and evening in the chapel.
Visitors are always welcome. Each department is
thrown open to public inspection every day. The
management encourage visits, as shown by the royal
way it takes care of them while guests. Military in-
struction is given the boys daily. They must master
the evolutions of army discipline, together with the
manual of arms.
The Mount Joy school enjoys the esteem of the
intelligent community in which it is located, and
stands liigh in the atlections of the orphans and their
mothers. It has done and is doing a noble work, of
which the State may be justly proud.
Banking. — The first financial establi-lnnent in the
borough was the Mount Joy Savings Institution, which
was incorporated in 1853. By a su|)plement to its
charter this was made, in 18G0, the Mount Joy Bank,
and in 1865 it was organized, under the national
banking law, with the name Union National Mount
Joy Bank. At the time of the original organiz ition,
in 1853, Henry Eberle was made president and An-
drew Gerber secretary and treasurer. In 1860, J. G.
Hoerner was elected president, and in 18(35 he was
re elected, and still holds the ofBce. Jacob R. Long,
the present cashier, has held that position since 1856.
Originally the capital of the bank was i^jO.OOO, and it
is now ;?1 25,000.
Manufacturing forms, in proportion to the size of
the town, quite an extensive industry. The earliest
enterprises in this line were of the kind common to
all villages, wagon-making and blacksinitliing. The
earliest manufacture of other character than these
was that undertaken by one Brady, who early in the
twenties began making a.^es upon a small scale. The
business was subsequently carried on by his sons, who
enliir!;erl it and for a time were very successful, but
finally abandoned the industry when larger works in
other localities came into competition with them.
Following are brief notes upon the most important
of the present manlifactories :
The agricultural implement works conducted by
Messrs. Marsh & Comp were established in 1853 by e'
stock company. In 1857-58, Marsh Brothers came in
p(j.ssession of the works, and carried it on until 1872,
when they were succeeded by John A. Grier. He in
turn was succeeded by llie present firm in 1876. Thi«
firm has* materially enlarged its facilities for manu-
facturing, and has several extensive buildings, in
which about thirty men are employed. They manu-
facture improved mowers and reapers, land-rollen,
separators, portable engines, and other heavy ma-
chinery, i
Another large manufactory of farm machinery il
carried on by the firm of Geyer & Metzler, which .
grew out of and is the commercial descendant of John
Snyder, who began the manufacture of edge-tools in
Mount Joy about 1848, and five years later entered
upon the manufacture of threshing-machines, liorse-
powers, etc. In 1872 the firm of Walgemuth & Geyer
was formed, and continued the business up to the
I death of the senior partner in 1876. The present
! partnership was formed in 1881, and the manufacture
of reapers, mowers, threshing-machines, separators,
horse-powers, engines, and boilers continued and
I enlarged.
I The Mount Joy Roller Process Flouring-Mills, con-
I ducted by Brandt & Manning, were erected in 1855
I by Gabriel Bear. J. j\l. Brandt rented the mill in
1867, and purchased it in 1873. In 1881 he took Mr.
Jlanning into partnership, and very soon thereafter
tlie Hungarian jirocess rollers were substituted for
the old-fashioned burrs. This necessitated an addi-
tion to the original mill, which is substantially built
of stone, four stories in height, and covering an area
forty-five by fifty feet. In 1882 a Chase (Chicago)
elevator was erected, which affords storage room for
I upwards of twenty-five thousand bushels of grain.
j Fifteen men are employed, and a seventy-five horaa-
: power engine is used to proi)el the machinery. The
I output of this luill is about one hundred and fifty
barrels per day. .,
The Landis Coach-Works, one of the most impo>
taut manufacturing establishments in the borough,
employing about twenty-five men, and turning out
excellent work upon an extensive scale, are carried on
by A. B. Landis. The works were established by
i Christian Landis, in 1824, in East Hempfield, and
removed to Mount Joy in 1858 by the present pro-
jirietor, who succeeded his father in 1843. Mr. Landis
has a very large Soutliern, as well as Northern, patron-
age, and his manufactory is constantly run to its
fullest capacity.
D. Root, Son & Co. are engaged in the manufacture
of plows, cultivators, corn-planters, corn-shellers,
shovel-plows, harrows, etc. The business was com-
menced at Bird-in-Hand, in 1851, by 1). Root, and
removed to Mount Joy in 1868. Mr. B. M. Root wag
admitted to a partnership at that time. In 1877 the
firm was reorganized, it then being composed of B.
M., A. F., and A. B. Root. In the fall of 1881, A. F.
MOUNT JOY BOROUGH.
605
Root's interest was triinsferred to A. D. Root, and the
present partnership was thus formed. This firm has |
a building of .stone, tliree stories liigh, and sixty by I
twenty-five feet in extent, and several otliers aggre-
gating several times that area. Tlie buildings are
supplied with the best machinery, and it is driven by j
a seventy-five horse-power engine.
Tlie Jlount Joy Gray Iron Casting Company was
founded in 1881 ibr the manufacture of H. S. Stauf- j
fer's patent post support and Sholl's reversible blind '
and sliutter drop-hinge. Other specialties were af-
terwards added until a full line of small hardware j
articles and toys were produced. The business was I
originally established by Mr. Stauffer, and Mr. S. N.
Eby afterwards became a partner. The works employ
about twenty-five men, are supplied with a twenty
horse-power engine, and liave a melting cupola (jf
three tons capacity. i
The Mount Joy Malt-House, owned by Philip
Frank, employs twelve men in the manufacture of
superior malt from Canadian barley. The proprietor
began buying and selling grain on a small scale in
1856, and entered his present line of business in 1858.
His malt obtained such a reputation that he was soon
obliged to erect the building which he now occupies,
containing five floors, and covering a space forty by
one hundred and seventy-four feet.
Furniture was manufactured in Mount Joy many
years ago by Martin Spickler. He was bought out
in 1874 by D. H. Engle, who, having enlarged the
facilities for manufacturing, is now doing an exten-
sive business.
■ The Press.— The Mount Joy Herald, which is the
lending journal of the town, is one of the oldest news-
papers in Lancaster County outside of the city. It
was originated in 1854 by Frank H. Stauffer, who is
now a popular writer of fiction. In 18G3, J. R. Hof-
fer, the present owner and publisher, bouglit it from
Mr. Slaufl'er, assuming active control in March of
that year. It was started as a four-column folio, but
soon enlarged to a six-column folio. With the ex-
ception of widening tlie columns to thirteen and a
half ems primer, Mr. Hoffer published the Herald in
the same size and form until 1880, when he supplied
the ottice with a cylinder press and steam-power, and
enlarged the paper to an eight-column foli((. Tlie
rierald is and ever has been Republican iu politics,
and is a valuable local journal ably conducted.
The Star and News, as its name implies, is the prod-
uct of a consolidation of two newspapers. These
were the Milton Grove JVews and the Mount Joy Star.
The latter paper was originally published in Master-
nonville, on the 8th of November, 1872, by David
Coiirlney and Josejih Stigler, and was a five-column
folio. Mr. Courtney retired, and Mr.vStigler removed
the paper to this place in April, 1873, where it was
rechristened the Mount Joy Star, and soon transferred
h) L. M. and Harry Gallagher, whose names first :\\>-
peared at its column head on May 14tli. One year
later Harry Gallagher retired, L. M. Gallagher re--
maining as editor and L. D. Gallagher becoming pro-
prietor. The paper at this time was enlarged to seven
colunyis, and during the year L. M. Gallagher became
proprietor. In January, 1878, L. D. Gallagher be-
came the publisher, and Milton M. Leib the editor.
The other branch of the paper was started March 20,
1875, by J. R. Missemer and S. L. Brandt, under the
title of the MUton Grove News, with J. J. Sprenger,
of Lancaster, as publisher. After one year's life it
was suspended, but was revived Nov. 23, 1876, by J.
R. Missemer, editor and proprietor. The papers were
merged in 1879 under the title as given at the outset
of this paragraph. It has since been conducted by
J. R. Missemer, and of late changed from the old
form to a six-column quarto.
Water-Works add to the attractiveness of the
town as a place of residence. They were built in
1873-74 by tlie borough, the action having been au-
thorized by a vote taken in 1872. The borough se-
cured water-supply and water-power by purchasing
the old Hiestand mill, on Little Chikis Creek. Tlie
water is forced from here to a large reservoir on the
ridge by the Mount Joy Cemetery, whence it flows
through mains to nearly all parts of the town, afford-
ing an efl'ective means for fighting fire, as well as for
sprinkling the streets and grass-plats. The cost of
the works, with the mill, was forty thousand dollars.
The building committee consisted of Samuel Kurtz,
William Kuhn, and John M. Brandt. From the first
^Villiam Kuhn has been superintendent, and he is at
present in that office.
Gas-Works were constructed in 1879 by a char-
tered cor|ioration organized by T. S. C. Lowe. IMost
of the business houses and some residences are lighted
by the medium which these works luniisli, but the
consumption is not large.
Friendship Fire Company, No. 1, was organized
Jan. 27, 18G8. The ofiicers then elected were : Presi-
dent, Henry Shatfner; Vice-Presidents, H. B. Dun-
lap, John k. Grier; Secretary, F. A. Ricker; Assist-
ant Secretary, J. E. Hotter; Treasurer, A. B. Landis;
Chief Engineer, R. P. Kelly; Assistant Engineers,
M. Himelspark, Aaron Smaling, Henry H. Kriner,
W. F. Brown, Henry S. Coover, James F. Youtz,
George Buckius, Jr.; Chief Hose Director, Robert
Whitehead ; Assistant Hose Directors, F. G. Pennell,
William McNeal, Jr., J. G. Metzger, Henry Peffer,
Albert Gulp, Jonas E. Risser, W. H. H. Gillums;
Investigating Committee, J. W. Gilbert, A. B. Gulp,
H. H. Kriner; Trustees, William Brady, Charles C.
Marsh, John Hiidebrand ; Collector, Jacob Shelley;
]\Iessenger, Col. F. E. Nagle. The members who or-
ganized -the company on the 27th day of .Tanuary, 18(38,
were Henry Shaflner, H. H. Duiilap, John A. Grier,
F. A. Ricker, J. E. Hoffer, A. B. Landis, R. P. Kelly,
W. F. Brown, Henry S. Coover, James F. Youtz,
Michael Hiiiielsiiark, Aaron Smaling, Henry H. Kri-
ner, George Buckius, Robert Whitehead, F. G. Pen-
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
nell, William McNeal, Jr., J. G. Metzger, Henry Pef-
fer, Albert Gulp, Jonas E. Risser, A. B. Gulp, W. H. |
H. Giliums, John W. Gilbert, Jacob Shelley, John j
Hildebrand, Harry H. Nissley, Jerry Hagy, William i
Brady, John L. Gates, J. V. Long, W. R. Hartman,
A. S. Brady, J. T. Miles, Owen P. Bricker, William
G. Grier, Stephen J. Owens, Peter Waltz, Gharles C.
Marsh, Harrison Helman, John Fenstermaclier, Cu-
vier Spangler, Lewis Grogg, L. D. Gallagher, J. D.
Good, H. ShoU, Col. F. E. Nagle, M. P. Seltzer, John
A. Huber, Samuel Riddle, Michael Drabenstadt,
James Bell, A. B. Welsh, J. S. Welsh, Henry Hel-
man, Jacob S. Garter, B. M. Greider, John H. Dula-
bon, S. Donavan, A. K. Martin, Jacob Fenstermaclier,
Samuel Kurtz, Philip A. Pyle, -Levi Ricksecker, H.
Austin Brady.
The membership at present is the same in numbers
a.s it was at the date of organization. The company
is supported by an annual appropriation from the
borough Council ; has a good first-class Button &
Blake hand-engine, which, however, has been in dis-
use since 1875, as a pressure sufficient to throw water
over any house in town is placed on the pipes direct
from the water-works in time of fire.
The present oflicers are: President, Levi Rick-
secker; Vice-Presidents, M. Hinielspark and Peter
Waltz; Secretary, F. G. Pennell ; Treasurer, Philip
A. Pyle; Chief Engineer, S. M. Warner; GhitfHose
Director, M. Hinielspark.
Casiphia Lodge, No. 551, P. and A. M.— This
lodge was constituted Sept. 21, 1877, with eighteen
charter members. The first officers were J. V. Long,
W. M. ; Rev. William B. Brown, S. W. ; R. N. Long,
J. W. Meetings are held Friday, on or before the
full moon of each month, in a room over Philip
Pyle's drug-store expressly fitted up for Masonic
purposes. The present number of members is forty-
nine, and the lodge is in excellent financial condition.
The present officers are Henry N. Nissley, W. M. ;
Dr. James P. Zeigler, S. W. ; Henry L. Stager, J. W. ;
and William M. Speva, Treas.
Mount Joy Lodge, No. 277, L 0. of 0. F.— This
lodge was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Penn-
sylvania, Nov. 7, 1847. Its first officers were: N. G.,
John Kolp; V. G., Robert Dysart ; Sec, Jacob L.
Nagle; Asst. Sec, John L. Long; Treas., John Pat-
terson. The present officers are: N. G., J. B. Hippie;
V. G., Harrison Helman; Sec, F. G. Pennell; Asst.
Sec, C. M. Hershey; Treas., Levi Ricksecker; Trus-
tees, J. V. Long, William Kuhn, and C. M. Hershey.
The present number of members is sixty-three. The
lodge meets on Tuesday evening of each week in a
well-furnished hall ; pays to its sick or disabled mem-
bers five dollars per week benefits, one hundred dol-
lars on the death of a member, and fifty dollars on
the death of a member's wife. The lodge has at the
present time a well-invested fund of over five thou-
sand dollars.
Cave Lodge, No. 301, K. of P.— This lodge was
I
instituted June 22, 1871. The officers then elected'
were : V. P., W. S. Bruckart ; W. G., Joseph A.
Schlegelmilch ; V. C., M. M. Brub.aker; R. S., J.
Vernor Long ; F. S., J. W. Roland ; Banker, B. F.
Eberle; Guide, Harry Sholl ; I. S., Henry B. Gulp;
0. S., Hanry F. Brandt. The lodge has a member-
ship at present of one hundred and twelve. On July
1, 1873, the titles of the various officers were changed
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge. The present officer*
are: G. C, William Moouey ; V. C., Dr. John J.
Newpher ; Prelate, S. M. Rupp ; M. at A., J. B. S.
Zeller; M. of E., M. Himelspark; M. of F., M. M.
Brubaker; K. of R. and S., F. G. Pennell; I, G.,
John W. Brandt; O. G., George Haines.
Otsego Tribe, No. 59, I. 0. R. M., was instituted
in September, 1865, with the following members, viz.:
John M. Gulp, R. P. Kelly, William R. Hartman,
A. D. Reese, A. B. Gulp, and B. F. Eberle. A. B.
Gulp was made Sachem, R. P. Kelly, Senior Saga-
more, and Mr. Eberle, Treas. The lodge has now
fifty-eight members, and is in a flourishing condition,
having about sixteen hundred dollars invested in
various ways for its own use.
Cemeteries. — The oldeiit incorporated cemetery
association is that which established and now con-
trols Mount Joy Cemetery, which consists of six acres
of land on a gently rising ridge, just north of the
borough. This land, together with two acres since
sold to the borough, to afford a site for the water-
works reservoir, was purchased from Peter Heilman,
soon after the association was formed in 18G3. It has
since been very tastefully laid out, and richly beauti-
fied by the planting of ornamental trees and shrub-
bery. Nearly eight hundred and fifty burials have
been made in the cemetery during the twenty years
! since it was laid out. The records show that the date
of incorporation was Aug. I'J, 1863, and the incorpor-
ators B. M. Greider, John Myers, George Wengar,
G. M. Martin, Henry Stager, F. A. Ricker, David
Brady, Henry B"echtold, S. P. Beckley, David D.
Stoner, Alexander Patterson, Lewis P. Brudy, J. M.
Gulp, F. H. Stauffer, Dr. J. L. Zeigler, A. G. Good,
H. H. Landis, Samuel Eshelman, J. R. Hoffer, Henry
S. Myers, Alexander D. Reese, Peter Bruner. The
officers were: President, George Wenger; Secretary,
J. R. Hoffer; Treasurer, B. M. Greider; Superinten-
dent, Jacob Lawrence.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
JAMES AGNEW PATTERSON.
The subject of this biographical sketch is the
grandson of James and Margaret Agiiew Patterson
and the son of James and Mary Watson Patter-
son. The ancestry of the family having been more
fully given in the sketch of Judge D. W. Patterson,
renders repetition here unnecessary. James Agnew
\ /
^^i^, J>^ ^a^Mjfi^
MANHEIM BOROUGH.
607
was born Sept. 20, 1810, in Raplio township, on
the east bank of" tlie Little Chikis. His youth
was sjient on the tarni of his parents, the log school-
house of the neighborhood, supplemented by a brief
season at Mount Joy, aftbrding him all the opportu-
nities for education then at command. He early
adopted agriculture as a calling, and soon became
proficient in the management of a farm. He was
married Nov. 14, 1844, to Miss Sarah M., daughter of
Thomas Sterrett, of Rapho township. Their children
are Mary W., Martha S., J. Howard, William S.,
Margaret J., and one who died in infancy. Of these
Mary W. and William S. survive. The death of
Mrs. Patterson occurred in the fall of 1858. By the
removal of his father to Mount Joy, Mr. Patterson,
just previous to his marriage, became the occupant of
the homestead, on which he resided for several years.
He later, desiring a respite from active labor, re-
moved to Mount Joy, which has since been his place
of residence. He has been identified with the in-
terests of the borough and active in projects having
for their object its advancement. All eilorls towards
the promotion of the cause of education have received
his cordial co-operation ; the Mount Joy Academy,
now the Soldiers' Orphans' School, numbering him
among its earnest supporters. He has also served for
eeveral terms as school director.
Iq politics Mr. Patterson was formerly an Old-Line
Whig and an Anti-Mason, and later became a Repub-
lican. He is not, however, a strong party man, giving
his ballot for men of integrity and capacity irrespec-
tive of party ties. He is a gentleman of retired habits
of life and of no political aspirations. His name will,
therefore, not be found on the roll of office-seekers or
those who bear the palm of victory in the struggles
for place and preferment. Mr. Patterson is in his
religious convictions a Presbyterian, and an elder in
the Donegal Church of that denomination.
CHAPTER XXXIL
MANHEIM BOROUGH.
The borough of Manheim is situated ten miles
north of Lancaster, and on the Reading and Coluin-
hia Railroad. It lies wholly within the township of
Rapho, and its eastern boundary is partially co-e.xten-
live with it, being the mill-race and the Big Chikis
Creek.
The town was originally laid out by Henry William
Sliegel, late in the year of 1762. The land was taken
11)1 by patent in 1738 by James Logan, and reverted
to Inaac Norris, who married a daughter of Logan's.
In February of 1702, Isaac Norris and his wife, Sarah,
deeded to Alexander and Chaules Stedman a tract of
leveii hundred and .twenty-nine acres, and they, in
September of the same year, deeded an one-third in-
terest to Henry William Stiegel, who immediately .
thereafter laid out the town of Manheim. The name
of the town was derived from the village of Manheim,
in Badjsn, from whence Stiegel came.
Early History. — At the time of the formation of
the town there were two houses standing within its
limits. These were both log structures, and one of
them is yet standing on South Prussian Street. In
1762 there were five houses standi [ig, at least two of
them built by Stiegel. He first built a house on West
High Street, near Market Square, afterwards on the
northeast corner of East High Street and Market
Square. This last house is now standing, though it
has been nearly rebuilt, and is now the property of
Henry Arndt. The oftice built by Stiegel, on the
corner of North Charlotte Street and JIarket Square,
is still standing. Among the earliest settlers in the
borough were the Heintzelmau, Minnich, Keiser,
Long, Nauman, Wherly, and Staufler families.
John Heintzelman built the first hotel, the Black
Horse. This house is now standing upon South
Prussian Street, though no longer used as a hotel.
Andrew Bartrurt' was the first store-keeper. The
store was located on North Prussian Street, and was
also used for many years as a hotel. It was burned
down April 19, 18G1. The Spread Eagle Hotel was
established about 1804, and owned by John Bartruff.
Legendary History. — Of Henry \Villiam Stiegel,
or Baron Stiegel, as he is generally called, there are
a great many stories told, and though they are prob-
ably exaggerated, there may be some foundation in
fact. He was certainly a very eccentric character,
and of a decidedly energetic and speculative disposi-
tion. Upon the top of the house corner High and
Prussian Streets, built by him, was a cupola in which
was stationed a watchman. Stiegel made frequent
trips.from Manheim to Elizabeth Furnace in a large
coach drawn by four (some say eight) beautiful horses.
Upon his approaching the town it was the duty of the
watchman to fire fcannon, used for that purpose, to
let the people know of his arrival. Immediately upon
hearing the sound of the cannon the people flocked
to the house, and a band of music, made up from
among the employe's of the factory, proceeded to the
cupola, and the baron made his entrance into the
town amidst the firing of the cannon, the sound of
music, and the cheers of the inhabitants. Among
many tales of his eccentricity is a story of recorded
fact that the lots upon which the Evangelical Lu-
theran Church was built were deeded to them for the
consideration of a red rose, to be paid yearly upon de-
mand. It is a miKter of record that this was paid at
two different times; whether these are the only de-
mands made for the rent it is not possible to state.
Baron Stiegel's Houses.— The second house built
by Baron .Stiegel was upon the corner of East High
Street and Market Square. It was a large square
building, made of red brick imported for that pur-
pose. The building was about two and one-half stories
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
in height, and its two principal rooms were a diuiug-
room upon the ground-floor, and a cliapel or meeting-
room on tlie second floor. Tiie dining-room con-
tained a fireplace at one end, surrounded by Dutch
tiles, and was hung with tapestry representing princi-
pally figures of the chase, with lite-size paintings of
horses, dogs, men, etc. The tapestry was in a good
state of preservation when taken down about twelve
years ago, and many of the tiles may yet be found
in the hands of the older citizens and of connoisseurs
in the village. The tapestry is now at the rooms of
the Historical Society in Philadelphia. The chapel
upon the second floor contained a pulpit, from which
the baron was wont to preach to his servants and the
em ploy 63 of the glass-factory. When Stiegel's prop-
erty was sold by the sherifl' in 1779 this house was
bought by Michael Dieflenderfer, who sold it to Wil-
liam Bauseman. It was afterwards owned by Robert
Morris, then James Jenkins. The building is now
the property of Henry Arndt, and though its interior
arrangement is entirely changed, the south wall is the
same as in the original building up to the second
story.
About this time Stiegel built a business oflice on
the corner of High and Charlotte Streets. This was
also of red brick, and remains to-day in very nearly
the same condition, as regards its outward appearance,
as when erected.
The following is a list of the taxable inhabitants
of JIanheim in 1780:
Albright, David
lli_.'. I! • ■.
N.'«nuii., n.T,j„i.iin...
N!irck"l'!'jul'in!'i.initl.
Nitwnmii, Fri'tieritk, i
Puluit, Ai.ilrew
Reese, AJhiii
Smith. Ch^irles
House*
and
L.jta.
t' * \ , ;
x';'' ' I '.
:::::::::::::::::::::::: \
\\ , , , > . 1 1 , ^^
' ,"
1
Eobert Ellis.
Peter Walter.
Jacob Aaron.
Abn.m Metz.
John Shelhorn.
Martin Kisaley.
Daniel Sbitz.
Michael Horner.
Samnel McClun.'
William Meara.
Jolin Brand,
tjeorge Ginilin.
Baltzer Stake.
Jacob Stoufler.
John Brown.
William Alison.
Janiod Defi-ance.
George Berglebrough.
John Huffman.
Land Titles. — The tract of land upon which Man-
heini was laid out was taken up by James Logan ia
1733, and contained about twelve hundred acres. At
Logan's death he willed to Sarah, his daughter, and )
her husband, Isaac Norris, what remained unsold of
this tract, in all about seven hundred and twenty-nine
acres, On Feb. 17, 1762, Isaac Norris and Sarah, his
wife, deeded to Charles and Alexander Stednian thij
tract of seven hundred and twenty-nine acres, and
September 20th of the same year they deeded to
Henry William Stiegel an one-third interest in the ^
same. Iti 1769 (August 4th) the Stedmans sold their
interest iu the proper.ty to Isaac Cox, who sold to
Henry William Stiegel, Feb. 1, 1770. At this time,
therefore, Stiegel was the sole proprietor of all the
land, e.xcei)lin£^ such lots as had been sold to indi-
viduJils, including those lots subject to ground-rent.
The lots had been sold in three ways,— in fee-simple,
by paying in part for the land and a yearly ground-
rent, and making no payment whatever but only pay-
ing ground-rent. The rent, when no payment was
made, was two dollars and twenty cents per year for
each lot, without regard to its situation. On March
30, 1775, the property was sold by the sheriff to
Michael Diii'enderfer, who deeded to William Bause-
man. At Bauseman's death the properly was willed
to William B. and John B. Bauseman and Elizabeth
Hiester. The heirs of William Bauseman deeded
their several interests in the gronnd-rents to John D.'
Hiester, who became sole owner. The collecting of
the rent was alhiwed to go by default for some years,
and when an attempt was made to collect it met
with a great deal of opposition. After many years of
strife and opposition to the collection of the rent, suit
was brought, in 1850-57, to enforce its payment, and
a considerable amount was collected. In 1880 a com-
MANHEIM BOROUGH.
(509
mittee was appointed to make a settlement, and an
arrangement was made to pay six thousand five liun-
dreJ dollars for claims amounting to about thirteen
thousand dollars. On March 29, 1881, all the interest
of the Hiester heirs to ground-rent in the borough
was deeded to a committee, composed of Abraham
Kline, Dr. John M. Dunlap, Aaron H. Danner,
James \V. Numbers, Henry JI. Eusminger, who in
turn deeded to the individual lot-owners.
Erection of the Boroug^h.— In 1830 the question of
making the town a borough and incorporating it was
a subject of considerable agitation, and the feeling in
regard to the matter ran very high. A large number
were in favor of it on account of the additional privi-
leges and benefits to be derived from a separate or-
ganization, while its opponents were princi])ally afraid
of increased taxation. The matter rested till 1837,
when a petition was sent to the Legislature for an act
of incorporation, which was granted May 16, 1838.
The first officers of the borough were David May,
burgess; John Rice, John Musser, .Tohn Arndt, Jr.,
Jacob Staufl'er, George Eby, and Samuel Deyer,
councilmen; Benjamin Hunsinger, constable; David
Fiaiier, supervisor; Thomas W. Veazey, clerk ; Daniel
Daniier, treasurer. The first meeting of the Borough
Council was held at the Central School-House, and
the first committee appointed was a committee to
examine into the condition of the roads and thorough-
fares. The first tax levied was for the sum of two
hundred dollars. The number of the taxable popu-
lation being three hundred and sixty-five, the tax
per capita was a little less than sixty cents each.
Though this seems a very small amount, it caused
considerable grumbling.
CIVIL LIST.
1838.-Burgpia, DdvlJ May; Secretary, Thomas W. Veazey ; Treasurer,
Duiilol Danner.
1B9.— Bnree-B, Uavid May; Secretary, Tlionios W. Veazey ; Treasurer,
IMl.— Bnrges-, David May; Seeretaiy, William Glolui; Treasurer,
Geort'o Aru.lt.
IMl.— Burj-eas, Nathaniel Ranck ; Secretory, William Gleim ; Treas-
urer, Geurge Arndt.
1M2.-Bnr^e.a, Adam Smitli ; Secretaiy, William Gloim; Treasurer,
Qeurco Arndt.
lM3.-I)ilrgcsH, Lewis Gihble; Secretary, Wlllianr Gleim; Treasurer,
Qoorgo Arndt.
JM4.-Burg-8a, Lowiu Gihlile; Secretary, William Gleim; Trpasurer,
GeorjieAl
I
l»«.-B.iig.-8.i, LewiH Gibble; Secretary, William Gleim; Treasurer,
Sumu.l Knslnin;;er.
lM8.-I)urgea-s, Mltliacl B. Moyer; Secretary, David May; Treasurer,
Samu.d Ensmi.iger.
IMT.-Biirgess, Dr. Daniel L. Carpenter, Sr. ; Secretary, David May;
Treasurer, Samuel Cnsmltiger.
1M8.— Burgess, Dr. Daniel L. Caipouter, Sr.; Secretary, David May;
Treasurer, Bainu-I Knsmiuger.
lMi>.-Bur«eM,.l>r. J.d.n M. Dunlap; Secietary, David May; Treas-
-Burgees, Ju3<pl
imnel Kneniliig"
-Burg.s-, Jacub
rer, Samuel Ensii
39
Gibble; Secretary, David May; Treasu
:Corklo; Secretary, David Slay; Treasu
if J Secretary, Frederick EiiHUiiuger; Tr
lSo;j.— Burgees, Ja
.nretary, Dr. Juhn M. Dunlap; Treas.'
Secretary, Dr. John M. Dunlap; Treas-
dy; Secretary, Dr. John 31. Dunlap;
itary, Dr. Jolin il. Duulup;
Secrelal-y, Dr. John 51. Dunlap; Treas-
Secretary, Dr. John M. Dunlap; Treas-
r ; Secretarj-, Dr. John M. Dunlap; Treas-
r; Secretary, Dr. Juhn M. Dunlap; Treaj-
15' i t.;. .. ' : 1 ^lialTu.-r; .Secretary, Dr. John M. Dunlap ; Trcas-
ISC. - Lu.^..^.,, L'.i.hl .May; Secretary, Dr. John M. Dunlap; Treasurer,
Sanuicl Kn.-minger,
18li;i.— Burgess, David May; Secretary, 11, Dasher; Treasurer, Samuel
Ensminger.
1864.-Burgess, J. M. Hahn ; Secretaiy, H. Dasher ; Treasurer, Samuel
Eusminger.
1805.— Burgess, H. C. Gingrich ; Secretary, H, Dasher; Treasurer, David
186G.— Burgess, W. Lilzenberger ; Secretary, H. Dasher; Treasurer,
; Secretary, H. Dasher; Treasurer,
lS5i.— Burgess, Nathan Worh
urer, Samuel Ensminger,
IS.io.— purge-s, Dr. C. J. Sn
Tre^isurer, Michael While.
1850.— Burgejs, Dr. C.J. Suavely;
Treasurer, Samuel Ensminger.
1857.— Burgess, Jacob K.
urer, Samuel Ensmir
1S5S.— Burgess, Henry A
urer, Samuel Ensmir,
1859.— Burgess, Gabriel SI
1S60 — r.nigcbs f;.ihn.dSl
David May.
1867.— Burgess, \V. Litzenberg
David May
1868.— Burgess, M. E. liomberger ; Secietary, H. Dashe
; Treasu
C. Bold.
H. Dashe
1869.— Burgess, II. G. Hogendobler; Se.
H. C. Boyd.
1870.— Burgess, H. G. Hogendobler; Secretarj-, II. Dasher; Treasurer,
11. C. Boyd.
1871.— Burgess, Nathan Worley ; Secretary, H. D.isher; Treasurer, U.
C. Boyd.
1872.— Burgess, Nathan Worley; Secretary, H. P.isher; Treasurer,
Ilenly .\rndt.
187:i.— Burgess, A. Kline; Secretary, H. Dasher; Treasurer, Henry
Arndt.
1874.— BurgeBS,_B. D. Danner; Secretary, II. Dasher; Treasurer, F. G.
1875.— Burgess, H. E. Shimp; Secretary, II. Dasher;
1870.— Burgess, J. Z. Eby; Secretary, H. M. Ensminger; Treasu
•, F. G.
, II. M. Eusminger; Treasure
,p , Secretary, H. M. Ensmin
1877.— Burgess, J. Z. Eby ; Secretar
G. Biosey.
187H.— Burgess, Dr. Johtt.M. Dun
Treasurer, F. G. Brosey.
1879.— Burgess, Dr. Johu .M. Uuulap; Secretary, H. M. Ensmingel
Treasurer, F. G. Brosey.
1880.— Burgess, U. C. Boyd ; Secretary, H. M. Eusminger ; Treasurer, 1
G. Brosey.
1831.- liurgess, M. E. Boniheiger; Secretary, H. 51. Ensminger; Trea
urer, F. G. Bioscy.
1882.— Burgess, M. E. Boniberger; Secretary, II. M, Ensminger; Trea
. Dann
. Boniberger; Secretary, II.
Justices of the Peace.— Prior to 1840 the justices
were elected by judicial districts. A full list will be
found in the -General Jlistory.
Isli)
David May.
1807
Benjamin H. D
1S4.-.
J..I,nTliorn6.
1 1868
Horiico Diwher.
Henry Keyser
Martin V. Cko
1850
lleMry'Keysor
1800
Horace Dasher.
David May.
1872
B. D. Dauiier.
1852
Frederick Ensminger.
1 1874
Horace Dasher
1865
Gabriel Sliaffn
r.
1 1877
B. D. Danner.
18011
Gabriel .'^liann
r.
II. S. Danner.
l.-tOi
Jeremiah M.I
uhii.
1878
II. C. Gibble.
1805
David May.
1883
II. 8. Dauner.
610
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Early Industries.— Some time between 1763 and
1768, B:iron Stiegel erected a large glass-factory upon
the corner of South Charlotte and Stiegel Streets.
The building was of red brick, and was a very large
one. It is stated that from the ground to the cupola,
which surmounted the building, was over one hun-
dred feet. The manufacturing of glassware and glass
bottles was carried on quite extensively, skilled work-
men being brought from Europe to carry on the
work. That a very superior article was produced at
these works is evidenced by. samples in existence
now, and by the following extract from a letter writ-
ten by David Rittenhouse, of Philadelphia, to Rev.
Mr. Barton, of Lancaster. " I am obliged to you for
the glass tube; it will make a pretty barometer,
though the tube is somewhat too small. I have com-
pared it with an English tube, and do not think the
preference can with any reason be given to the
latter." In the same letter he asks Sir. Barton to
procure him " some tubes of a size fit for spirit-
levels." This property was sold by the sheriff in
1779, and after being unoccupied for forty years the
building was taken down in 1809, and the brick used
in building a hotel in Neffsville.'
In 1817 the business interests were general stores
by John Thorn and Christian Stauffer; tannery, by
Jacob Arndt; brickmaking, Dederick Baehler; sad-
dlery, by Peter and George Britz; hardware, Mrs.
Ileintzelman ; shoemakers, Kline & Faertig; cabinet-
makers and car[)enters, Emanuel Dyer, John Rice,
John Wagner; blacksmiths, Joseph Stanem, Joseph
Frantz, Jacob Long ; cooper, John Schneider,
Scliauer; tailors, George D.Miller and David May,
Philip Waltz; wagon-makers, Peter Gruber, George
Long, John White; stocking-weaver, Blartin Bander;
weavers, Henry Brahm, Adam Danner, Boeh-
ler, William Wagner, John Brosey, Henry Brosey,
Jacob Koch; watchmaker, George Rudisell ; dyer,
• Waltz; locksmith, John Long; painter, Adam
Sill; Jonas White and his father made bone combs;
the two physicians were JMichael Kan (man and John
Heintzelman. There were three lintels, — Washington
House, kept by Jacob Meyer ; Black Horse, by JMrs.
Ileintzelman ; and Spread Eagle, by John Bartruff.
Old Mill-Much farther back than the oldest in-
habitant can remember, nearly south of iho present
mill of IC. P.. liomberger, was standing an old lime-
stniie mill. This was built by Peter Longenecker
some lime between 1763 and 1780. It remained
standing till 1838, and in an early day a wooden ful-
ling-mill was attached to it. The present mill was
built by Abraham Hostetter, in 1829, and passed
through tlie hands of J. H. Bassler, John Hostetter,
and r.cnjamin M. Stauffer before it came to be the
property of its present owner, E. B. Bomberger, in
18G6. The mill is a fine property, and is furnished
ftictiiry by Jiituea Je
with both steam- and water-power. It contains si*
run of stone, and has a head of fourteen feet of
The Manheim National Bank was organized
Feb. 11, ISO",. Its first ofHcers were Abraham Kauf-
man, presiilcut; J. Ilotfman llershey, cashier; And,
Brubaker, teller. The business was at first conducted
in Mrs. Uhler's building, on Market Square and North
Prussian Street, and moved to its present location in
1866. Its capital is §150,000, and its stock owned j
mostly by parties in and around Manheim. The
present officers are Jacob L. Stehman, president, and
H. C. Gingrich, cashier.
Jacob L. Stehman. — The family are of German
descent. Christian (whose orthography of the name
was Steman), the grandfather of Jacob L., wa;^ birn
March 31, 1771, and resided in Manheim town,-liip,
where he was a farmer. He was married to Misj
Anna Huber on the 18th of November, 1790, whose
birth occurred July 7, 1768. Their children were
Maria, John, Christian, Anna, Jacob, Elizabeth,
Henry, Samuel, JIagdalena, Benjamin, and Veronica.
Mr. Stehman died July 26, 1844, in Jlanheim town-
ship, in his seventy-fourth year. His son Christiaa
was born June 26, 179-5, in Manheim, on the home-
stead farm, and nmrried Catherine, daughter of Jacob
Leib, of Warwick township. Their children were
Anna (Mrs. Hershey), Jacob L., Elizabeth (Mre.
Kraatz), Magdalena (Mrs. Becker), and Catherine
(Mrs. Buch).
Mr. Stehman after his marriage removed to Wa^
wick township, where the remainder of his life wu
spent in business or farming occupations. His death
took place on the 8th of November, 1877, in hil
eighty-third year.
His son Jacob L., the subject of this biographical
sketch, was born upon the paternal estate on the 28th
of September, 1820. Here his growing years were
spent, either in labor or at school in the immediate
neighborhood or under the instruction of Professor
John Beck, of Lititz. Having decided upon an agri-
cultural life, he eventually inherited the farm of his
father. He was married in December, 1846, to Eliza,
daughter of John Hostetter, of Pcnn township. Uii
wife having died, he was again married in November,
1881, to Mrs. Eliza McDowell, daughter of Solomon
Sell, of Stark County, Ohio. Mr. Stehman, in 1868,
retired from his farm and removed to New Haven,
in the same township, and in Jlay, 1882, made Lititi
his home. He is in politics a Republican, and haj
filled the office of school director for twelve successive
years, though preferring the quiet of his own fireside
to the excitements of a public career. He is president
of the-Manheim National Bank, and a director of the
Northern Mutual Insurance Company of Epiirata,
Lancaster Co. He enjoys the confidence of the com'
munity to so great an extent as to have been frequently
appointed to the office of guardian and selected as
custodian of important trusts.
/tAtr^csZy/Cf^-'^
-.1
■l
MANHEIM BOROUGH.
611
: Mr. Steliinan was educated a Mennonite in religion,
but is a supporter of all evangelical creeds.
The Manheim Mutual Fire Insurance Company
was incorporated July 20, 1877, J. M. Dunlap, presi-
dent; J. M. Ensniinger, secretary; Abraliam Kline,
treasurer. Its officers remain the same in 1883, with
tlie exception that the secretary is now H. S. Danrer.
Tlie most important business industries of to-day
are agricultural implements, Abraham Kline, Hershey I
& Ely ; planing-niill, H. E. Shimp & Co. ; flour-mills,
Eby & Reist and E. B. Bomberger; dry-goods and
general stores, George H. Banner, H. C. Boyd, Henry
Arndt, and J. M. Hahn ; foundry, Eby & Reist; Man-
heim Coach-Works, Arnold & Ulrich ; furniture
dealer, A. R. Brandt. The principal toljacco dealers
&re J. M. Hahn and Bomberger & Becker; clothing
dealers, Hostetter & Hummer.
The borough now contains four hotels, — Washing-
ton House, Martin Schreider; Summy Hotel, S. C.
Sunimy ; Centennial, J. D. Warfel ; American Hotel,
John Boenisnyder.
The Press. — The first printing-office in Manheim
was established by Jacob StauflTer in 1830, but the
business was not a successful one and was abandoned.
In 1838, John M. Ensminger opened a job-office on
Market Square, near South Prussian Street. As he
made his business a success he enlarged it, and on
Jan. 6, 184G, issued the first newspaper of Manheim.
This was a small folio, ten by fourteen in size, and
containing four columns of matter, and was called
In 1849, Mr. Ensminger sold out his interest to D.
B. Rock, who changed the name of the paper to the
Senlind. The office was burned out in 1851, and in
July, 1851, was carried on in a building opposite the
(Jerniau Reformed Church on North Prussian Street.
In 1852, 3Ir. Ensminger again became owner of the
paper, and it has since been in his hands. He moved
into the present building on South Prussian Street in
1853, and changed the name of the paper to Sentinel-
Advertiser. The paper is now an eight-column folio,
and looks very little like the diminutive Planet of
184G. In politics this ]iaper has been independent
always. It has now a circulation of about one thou-
suiid.
Fire-Engine Companies.— In 1810 the ci(,izens,
feeling the need of organized protection in event of 1
fire, started a subscription for the purpose of building
a house and purchasing apparatus. An engine was
purchased, which was called the " Union," and a
house built. The house was painted red, and was
known as the " Red House," and the Union Fire
Company was organized.
In 1X41 a niceting was called to decide what to do
with the Union Engine, whether to sell it and pur-
chase a new, one, or to keep it as it was. It was
decided that nothing would be done at that time.
In 1840 the Borough .Council decided to purchase a
new engine, and bought the Globe Engine and one
hundred and thirty-three feet of hose. In 1851 the
Union Engine was sold to New Ephrata, now Lin-
den. In 1800 the engine-house was moved from
Market Square to North Charlotte Street. The prop-
erty on North Charlotte Street upon which the en-
gine-hous'e stood was a part of that upon which the
Hiesters claimed ground-rent, and being fearful that
the building would be levied upon for rent, it was
sold to George Long in 1803. The building was re-
moved to his lot on South Prussian Street, and is now
used as a shoe-shop. The Council bought a new lot
upon North Prussian Street, and erected upon it a
two-story building, the first floor to be used as an en-
gine-house, and the second as a Council chamber.
The cost of this building was four hundred and fifty
dollars. The organization of the department had
gradually become broken up and its members dis-
couraged. The engine was neglected and the hose
was in poor condition. From 1863 to 1869 there was
no company and no organization worthy of the name.
In 1869 the Star Fire Company was organized, and
also Hose Company No. 1, and the Globe Engine
was rebuilt. In December, 1871, a new hose-cart
was purchased and the name of the company changed
to Hope Fire-Engine Company and Hose Company
No. 1. The organizations are ii
present time, though in a feeble
condition.
Schools.— Prior to 1830 there v
the borough except the subscripti'
and of these none of sufficient distinctive impor-
tance to be noted. One of the old teachers, and one
who taught for many years, was Adam Smith. Be-
tween the years 1830 and 1830 there were three school
buildings erected, known respectively as the Upper,
Lower, and Central schools. In 1836, after the adop-
tion by Raphe township, of which Manheim was then
a part, of the district school system of public schools,
the schools of the borough were controlled jointly by
the district school board and six trustees for the bor-
ough. In 1855 the borough became a separate school
district, and shortly after this the schools were graded,
the Upper school being the grammar, the Lower sec-
ondary, and the Central the primary grades. At this
time the school year was five months, and the aver-
age salaries of the teachers thirty dollars per month.
In 1862 the school year was lengthened to six months,
and in 1882 to seven months. In 1868 the present
fine large building was erected, and the school was
divided into four grades. These have now been in-
creased to six grades, and the school has a fine repu-
tation, both for its high standard of scholarship and
its excellent discipline. The present school board is
composed of D. W. Erb, iircsideiit; II. S. Damier,
secretary; F. G. Brosey, trea.surer. Direclor.s, J. L.
Sharpe, George D. Miller, Jr., 11. F. McCloud, E. F.
Hostetter.
Societies.— iManheim Council, No. 154, Sr. O. U.
A. M., was organized Aiiril 10, 1868. Its officers at
existence at the
lid unsatisfactory
•e no schools in
private schools,
612
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
date of organization were J. G. Leber, C. ; J. M. Dun-
lap, V. C; F. R. White, R. C. ; M. E. Bomberger,
Treas. Its present officers are F. K. Brosey, C. ; A.
A. Barthold, V. C. ; J. M. Shoemaker, R. C; S. A.
Eni^minger, Treas.
JFanlieim Council, No. 32, Jr. O. U. A. M., organ-
ized Aug. 11, 18G8. Officers, C. ,J. Mengle, C. ; B. A.
Donoven, V. C; W. B. Mixell, R. C. ; J. M. Rice,
Treas. Officers for 1883 are Frederick Ensminger,
C; Harry Fry, V. C. ; George II. Ulrich, R. C. ; H.
M. Ensminger, Treas.
Selah Lodge, No. (j.57, I. O. 0. F., organized March
11, 18G9. Officers, J. SL Dunlap, N. G. ; H. S.
Stauff'er, V. G. ; J. M. Dunlaj), Sec; Abraham
Schopp, Treas.
Gen. Ileintzelman Post, No. 300, G. A. R., organ-
ized Dec. 81, 1882. Officers, Christian Baer, Com.; j
J. Ruff' Shearer, Adjt.
Aureola Circle, No. 42, B. U. (H. F.) C. of A. [
Officers, 1883, M. J. Stoner, C. W. ; C. F. Fislier, Jr., i
C. J. ; L. Barthold, Jr., C. F. ; H. C. Gibble, H. S. K. ; j
S. S. Young, H. T. 1
P. O. S. of A., organized Oct. 2, 1874. Officers, H.
M. Ensminger, Pres. ; F. McMullen, V. P.; 11. C. j
Gibble, Sec. ; B. D. Danner, Treas. Tliis society dis-
banded in April, 1883.
Manheim Lodge, No. G40, I. O. of G. T., organized
Sept. 24, 18G8, but was discontinued in 1871.
The Young Men's Ciiri.^tian Association of Man-
heim was organized in 1851), but was discontinued in
18(33, a large part of ita members entering the service
during the civil war. The society was reorganized in
1879, with F. G. Brosey, president; H. H. Gingrich,
secretary, who are its present officers (1883).
Kauffman Park.— There was no public park in
the borough till 1870, when Abraham Kauff'man pre-
sented to the Borough Council a tract of land for park
purposes. This land was three acres in extent and
contained a beautiful spring. The property has been
improved and added to until it now contains about
ten acres, and is a beautitiil jnirk ))roiierty.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church was built first
in 1770, and was rebuilt in 1837. Tlie lot upon which
the cliurch was built was given by Baron Stiegel, the
consideration being a red rose, to be paid annually.
The first minister was Frederick Augustus Mjuhlen-
berg. From 1849 to 1851, J. H. Jlenger was in ciiarge
as minister; C. Reese, in 1852; G. Haines, 1857-58;
D. P. Roscnmiller, 1858-64; J. R. Focht, 1864-68;
Kemper, 18G8; Jacob Peters, 1870.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was built by a
Free-Will Baptist Society in 18G4. Tliey failed to es-
tnl)liM)) a succea.sful organization, and in 18G8-69 the
building was purch:ised by the Methodist Episcopal
Society. Tlie fir.st minister was Samuel Huff'. The
society is small, and has no regular service.
St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church.— The
first Episcopal services held in Maidieim were con-
ducted by G. W. Mayer in 18G1. On Feb. 9, 18G2,
Rev. A. M. Able conducted services in the German
Reformed Church. In 1867, J. Brinton White rented
the German Reformed Church and read services.
Duriitg part of 1868 the Rev. Douglas, of Coluiiihiu,
and F. B. Barker, of Lancaster, conducted servii-e*
during the week. In 1869 the parish was orgaiii/ed,
and adopted the name of St. Paul's Protestant Epis-
copal Church. The corner-stone of the prcsfiil
cliurch was laid in October, 1869, by Rev. A. M. Abl«
and F. B. Barker, and the building was consecrated
May 3, 1870, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Stevens. The first
regular rector was Rev. A. Bernstein; succeeding him
were W. S. Bigton, S. Edwards, E. P. Brown, John
Graham, William Thorn, and their present rector,
Rev. John Graham. The first warden was J. BrinloD
White. The church officers (1883) are J. M. Dur.lap,
senior warden ; J. Henry Moore, junior warden.
St. Paul's German Reformed Church.— The exact
date of the building of the first German Reformed
Church cannot be positively ascertained, though it it
claimed to have been built in 1769. The lots upon
which the church was built were deeded to Sebastian
Witmer, John Dener, and Michael Katz, in trust, hj
Michael Diff'enderfer, Jlay 22, 1775. A new cliui-ch
was built in 1852. Tlie first minister was probably
Casper Shaeffer. The present minister is S. B. Slicaf-
fer. Members of cousistory, Philip Arndt, Abraham
Kline, James M. Dunlap, Henry C. Boyd, John Ful-
mer, Ephraim Suniniy, Howard Gingrich.
Evangelical Association.— In 1820 the first i
ciety of this denommatiun in Manlieim was organ-
ized by Rev. Jacob Albright and John Seybert. A*
they had no church in which to worship, servica
were held at the private houses of Catharine Hassler,
Jacob Reich, and ■ Fasig. The first church wa)
built in 182G by Rev. John Seybert, and was located .
on the corner of Nortii Charlotte and Cranitz Streeti
Tlie building committee was Rev. John .Seybert, Jacob
Long, Jacob Hassler, Dr. Mellinger, and Joseph Lan»
dice, and the edifice was dedicated by Rev. John Sey»
bert, John Kleinfelter, and Ettinger. Thisehurch
was used until 1842, when it was removed, and i
larger one e)-ected on the same site. This new build-
ing was called " Zion's Evangelical Church," ar
erected by Rev. John vSenszl, John Seybert, and J.Q, '
Reisner. Trustees, Fred. Danner, D. Fisher, and J. ,
Musser. The ministers who have served this chargj
are John Breidenstein, J. C. Reisner, J. P. Leip, F,
Hoffman, L. Neitz, Thomas Sebald, Jacob Adams, ]
Jacob Zern, J. O. Lelir, M. Dissinger. From 1860,
Revs. R. Deisher, R. Stetzel, and F. P. Lehr;
Revs. R. Litzenberger and T. Harper; 18G2, Revs. R.i|
Litzenberger and C. II. Baker; 18G3, Revs. M. Dis-' '
singer'and S. S. Chubb ; 1864, Revs. M. Di.ssingeriind
Fucht; 1865, Revs. C. H. Baker and J. N. Mett-
gar; 186G, Revs. C. H. Baker and J. C. Jlornberger;
1867, Revs. J. Zern and J. Zimmerman ; 18G8, Revs. J.
Zern and A. M. Stirk; 1869, Revs. Joseph Spechtand
A. M. Stirk; 1870, Revs. Joseph Specht and W. A.;
ELIZABETHTOWN BOROUGH.
Shoemaker; 1871, Revs. William Weidner and U. H.
Hersliez; 1872, Revs. William WeiJiier and U. H.
Hershez; 1873, Revs. J. Laros and W. Black; 1874,
Revs. J. Laros and A. Markley ; 1875, Rev. C. S.
Brown ; 187G, Rev. J. M. Oplinger; 1879, Rev. Joseph
M. Speoht; 1882, Rev. B. D. Albright; 1883, Rev. B.
D. Albright.
The society is now erecting a fine building upon
the corner of Market Square and Charlotte Street, to
be called " Bishop Seybert's Memorial Church," in
honor of the first bishop of the denomination who re-
sided near Manheim.and who built their first church.
The church is to be a fine brick structure, two stories
in height, surmounted by a cupola containing a clock
end a bell, and forty-two by seventy-five feet in size.
The building is under the superintendence of the pas-
tor, B. D. Albright. The corner-stone was laid July
29th by Rev. L. Neitz, of Reading, and Rev. B. D.
Albright. The trustees of the church are W. Litzen-
berger, F. G. Brosey, S. Young, Samuel Ruhl, and
J. M. Yeager. The Sunday-school connected with
this church has a membership of over one hundred.
Its superintendents are S. S. Young and A. A. Stauffcr.
• United Brethren in Christ.— [It has been imjios-
gible to obtain any inforination in regard to this
denomination.]
Borough Cemetery.— In connection with most of
the cliiirclK-s there is a cemetery where the people of
its denomination are buried. The first borough ceme-
tery was given to the borough by Dr. Michael Kauf-
man, but no deed wa.s made, and at the time of iiis
death no provision was made for conveying the title.
The property was then bought by the Borough Council
for forty dollars.
Population.— The population of Manheim borough
Was 778 in 1850, 85(i in 18iiU, 1122 in 1870, and ItJOG
caster County. Their son, Simeon G., was born Sept^
2, 1844, at Manheim, and early removed to Sporting
Hill, where his youth was spent. The school of the
neighborhood, and subsequently the Mount Joy
Academy, afforded him the rudiments of education,
after which he engaged in labor on the farm. He
afterward embarked in the purchase and sale of cattle,
and later became a successful auctioneer. Having
discerned in Manheim borough a wider field for his
abilities, he made it his residence, and in 1881 erected
the "Summy House," one of the most attractive
hotels in the north portion of the county, of which
he is the successful landlord. Mr. Summy has mani-
fested much interest in the growth and development
of Manheim, and was chiefly instrumental in locating
the stock-yards at that point. Through his energy a
large and growing cattle trade has developed, which
is now one of the most active business features of the
place. Mr. Summy is a meml)er of the order of
American Mechanics, of Manheim. In politics he
is a Republican, though not actively identified with
the political movements of the day. He is not iden-
tified with any religious sect, but is in sympathy with
all measures for the promotion of good morals and
the vvelfare of the community. Mr. Summy was mar-
ried, in 1865, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Jacob
Balmer, of Ncllsville. Their children are Harry B.,
Elmer B. (deceased), and Homer B.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
SIMEON GUILFORD SUJl.MY.
■ The Summy family are of Swiss descent, John, the
grandfather of Simeon Guilford, having lived at
Sporting Hill, in Rapho township, where l^e, was
both a miller and a farmer, and also embarked in
various speculations. His children were John, Peter,
Christian, Jacob, David, Henry, Elizabeth (Mrs. Ens-
minger), Anna (Mrs. Gibble)^ Maria (Mrs. Miller).
Jacob, of this number, was born near Neffsville, in
Manheim township, and resided in the immediate
vicinity during )iis youth. He succeeded to the oc-
<ii|>iilion of Ills fathtir, that of a miller, and was also
11 popular landlord. He married Martha, daughter
of Simeon •Minnich, and had children, — Angeliiie,
Simeon G., Lavinia, Henry C.- Jacob, John, Emma,
Ciitlicrine, and Annft, of whom four are decca.-ed.
Mr. and Mrs. Summy still survive, and reside in Lau-
CH AFTER XXXIII. •
ELIZ.\1)ETHT0\VX BOROLKJH.
Titles-The Town Laid Out.- A patent for the
lan.l on which Kliziibethtowu was afterwards built
was secured by Thomas Harris, an Indian trader, who
then lived on Conewago Creek, on Nov. 12, 1746.
Harris and his wile Mary, on July 15, 1751, sold the
farm, which included several hundred acres, to Laza-
rus Lowrey, and he and his wife Ann conveyed the
property, on June 13, 1753, to Barnabas Hughes, who
laid out what is now the western part of the borough
the same year. The town was named after his wife.
Hughes was a tavern-keeper, and had lived on the
Fa.xton road a number of years prior to this time.
He died in January, 17G5, and left his property to
his sons Daniel, John, Barnabas, and Samuel. To
the last named the other brothers rel-eased the land,
and he having in the mean time become a resident of
Hartford County, Md., sold to Alexander Boggs on
Oct. 28, 1790, two hundred and thirty acres on the
northwest side of Elizabethtown for ^1360.
George Wealand bought this tract from Alexander
Boggs and Ann Boggs, his wife, on Feb. 21, 1809, ahil
laid out upon it an addition to the town in 1812.
A portion of the town site was also included in a
tract patented in 1785 by Christopher and Mary Etter,
HISTORY OF L
NCASTER COUNTY.
/ho sold a purt Aug. 4, 1791, to Isaac and Barbara Kbeiug about equidistant and considerably removeil
Ream, and tlii-y sold one-half to.Midiael and Eliza- jjrom the larger towns, almost exactly eighteen miles
beth Keeby, Jan. 21, 1795. The main portton-ijr that
half was sold by them to Martin Stouffer on May 2,
1814, and by him to Dr. John Eberlc, of Salome, and
Samuel Z. Geehr, of Manheim, on June 18th of the
same year. On Aug. 20, 1S14, Eberle and Geehr sold
to Henry Brubaker and Mahlon Roberts, both of
Manheim, about forty-five acres, receiving therefor
nine thousand dollars.' Christopher Etter had laid
out some lots, probably in 1791 ; Reeby had laid out
some later, and now (1814) Brubaker and Roberts
made an addition of one hundred and forty lots,
which they advertised to be disposed of by lottery at
one hundred and ten dollars per ticket.
Another addition was made as late as 1861, Kirk
Few and 11. A. Wade laying out on January 2()th of
that year seven lots of forty feet front each on Man-
Development of the Town.— Early Settlers.'—
Reluming to the origin of the town, we find that it
was a natural sequence of its site having been upon
the great trail from Philadelphia to the West. This
old Indian path as the country became settled was
the road of the whites, and the present Lancaster and
Ilarrisburg turnpike is almost identical with its line
throughout its length. As the travel westward in-
creased, and larger numbers of people were obliged
by the necessities of trade and public business to pass
to and fro between Ilarrisburg and Philadelphia,
taverns were established at frequent intervals along
the road, and one of the earliest was within the pres-
ent limits of Elizabelhtown, — a log house, situated on
the spot now occupied by Kolp's blacksuiith-shop,
which withstood the ravages of time until 1835. The
second tavern at this place was the " Black Horse,"
which is still in existence and serving the same pur-
pose for which it was originally built. Just when it
was erected is not known, but it was probably prior
to the laying out of the village by Barnabas Hughes.
Until very recent years a license was in existence
which was granted to George Redsecker in the year
1757, and bore the signature of George II., as well, as
that of the Provincial Governor. It granted the
right of selling wine and rum to the general public,
but prohibited the sale of any kind of liqubij to the
Indians under pain of a heavy penalty. The " Black
Horse" was constructed of logs, as would be evident
now were the more recent weather-boards removed.
The stone addition was made about 1790, and another
one in 183G.
Around and near these two taverns, well supported
by the travelers passing through the country, the set-
tlement grew slowly until at the time of the Revolu-
tion quite a thriving little village appeared, and
> Miiny of tlio facts In Uila cliaiiter liuvo been gloHiicil from tliu " H.nil-
beUUown Chronide.
from Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Lebanon, it became
a ph\ce of rendezvous and a point of trade for the in-
habitants of quite a large area of country. Another
tavern had been built and named the " General Wash-
ington," and another, a small log structure, stood where [
Mrs. George Patterson now lives. One of the largest ',
of the log dwelling-houses was upon the ground now j
occupied by the buildings of E. Hofl'man and Janie* ,
Lynch. Another stood where John Brenemaii't
residence now is, and the others of most consequence
of which the localities can be identified were where i
the residences of Mrs. Wieland, Mrs. Julia Wade, and
George F. Wagner now are, while there was another
on the lot west of the " Black Horse" tavern, and
altogether probably more than a score.
The war brought hard times to the little village, t»
it did to nearly all localities. The price of commodi- ,
ties increased to a wonderful extent, and land had
fallen to as low a price as nine pounds per acre, Penn-
sylvania currency. A number of the residents of
Elizabethtown were absent from home on military
duty, heavy travel upon the wagon-road had almost
ceased, and the village wore a deserted and desolate
appearance ; but after the close of the war affairs at
once assumed a promising aspect, and the period of
progression lasted until the war of 1812.
By 1790, or very soon afterwards, another tavero
had been built. This was in the northernmost part
of the town, and was the property of one of the sons
of Barnabas Hughes, who laid out the town. It was
called the " Black Bear." What is now the Greenwalt
House was built not long after the Hugiies inn, by a
Mr. Coble, who also erected a stone dwelling adjoin-
ing it, in which the post-office was at one time kept.
Still another tavern was put up by Samuel Ebersole, ^
a brick building, and the second of that kind in town.
A Mr. McClutt kept a general store about the clos?
of the last century at the northeast corner of the
square, in a frame building. He owned the property
for a number of years and carried on business there,
but finally sold it to Adam Campbell, who afterwards
erected the present brick dwelling and store. On the
corner, where Jacob Baxtresscr's dwelling and stor^ .'
room now is, was at that time a log dwelling, occu-
pied by a Mr. Gardner, who also carried on in it a
saddle and harness shop, and a short distance back of
it was another log building, in which chairs were'
manufactured by William Wilson.
In 1798, George Redsecker was still the keeper of
the " Black Horse," and Caleb Thornberry was land- '.
lord of the " Black Bear," while Jacob Eckert kept
the "General Washington." The last-named tavern,
at the period of which we have been writing, the
closing years of the last century and early ones
the
2nt, had
latof Ihei
1800 and 1
3 into a prominence which
Black Horse," and some lime
it surpassed it. A three-story
ELIZABETHTOWN BOROUGH.
613
Mont-
1 Lan-
nearly
s built
building was put up as an addition, and tiiis structure
was at the time the most imposing one in the village.
It is to-day one of tlie most substantial in the bor-
ough, notwithstanding the fact that some ambitious
examples of modern architecture have taken their
places upon the streets. Its outer walls are about
twenty inches thick, and a partition wall in the entry,
carried clear to the roof, is fourteen inches tliick.
This building (which lias undergone several modifica-
tions and changes of ownership, now in pos:
the Odd-Fellows) was erected by John I
gomery, Esq., a leading lawyer of his time
caster, and the brick of which it is built Wi
all brought from that city. A brick stable was
at the same time the house was put up, in which si.xty
horses could be stabled. The two buildings cost about
seventeen thouiJand dollars. The large addition to the
"General Washington" and the building of the stable
were necessities caused by the great increase in public
travel by stages (of which we shall have more to say
furtlier on in this chapter), and the fact that this
tavern had been made the stage-office.
In the southwest part of town was the first brick
building put up in its limits, that now owned by A.
Dissinger. It was originally a two-story building,
»nd was occupied by Thomas Eagan, who carried on
the sale of general merchandise. Below this stood a
log or frame building, and then came the stone build-
ing known as a tavern-stand for a number of years,
and now occupied by Robert Ross as a store. The
brick building below this, in which is the Farmers'
Bank and residence of Samuel Eby, was built by
George Redsecker.
As we have heretofore intimated, the running of
stage-coaches and the increased travel by other means
had a marked effect upon the liveliness and prosperity
of the village. As a preliminary to this was the im-
provement of the roads, especially the great east-and-
west thoroughfare. The Lancaster, Elizabethtown
and Jliddletown turnpike was commenced in 1805,
and finished without delay a distance of twenty-six
miles. A few years later there was an entire turnpike
communication from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
There was another turnpike which in its palmy days
was of great benefit to the place. This was the Fal-
mouth pike, commonly called the Hardscrabjjl.e pike,
•and in later years the Pumpkin-Vine pike. Tlie road
■was built a distance of si.\ miles in 1811. Before the
construction of the State Canal there was a very large
amount of travel over this road, and it was caused by
the fact that until the construction of the State Canal
nearly all of the freight shipped up or down the Sus-
quehiinna was by this dfitour brought around the
tr.iiibksoine and dajigerous Conewago Falls at Fal-
mouth. Upon this pike the heavy Conestoga wagons,
drawn by four or six horses, were often seen in lines
of twenty or thirty, and they appeared also in gi'eat
numbers upon the through east-and-west pike, while
Btage-coaches were also numerous upou the hilter.
Caring for the p.issengers and drivers and horses
was a task of considerable magnitude and revenue,
and the taverns of that time were well supported.
The scene of greatest activity w.as the "General Wash-
ington," which, as has been remarked, was the stage-
olfice, and had the most extensive stable; but the
others obtained an incessant and extensive patronage
from the drivers of the great Conestoga teams.
The breaking out of the war of 1812 cast a dark
cloud over the community for a time, and some of its
most active men were drawn away from their home
industries by the call for soldiers. Tetrah Jones re-
ceived the appointment for enlisting soldiers, and
had his headquarters at some tents in the upper part
of the town. Peter Force, John Negley, Philip
Fisher, and Samuel Gruber all went into the service
from this village. Peter Force, who was in the ma-
rine service and fought bravely on Lake Erie, died
in the borough in 1SG8, at the age of seventy-three
years.
After the war business was more prosperous than
ever before, and in a few years some new industries
were established which are spoken of at greater
length elsewhere in this chapter. By 1820 improve-
ments had been made in the stores, and larger stocks
of goods were kept than formerly. The merchants in
business during the period extending from this time
to the year 1825 were Messrs. Wagner & Brother
(where A. Dissinger now is), Adam Campbell,
Robert Demp.sy, Samuel Redsecker, John llerr, and
William Campbell. Produce of all kinds was at that
time very low, and was taken at the stores in ex-
change for groceries, which were relatively much
! higher. Butter was six and a quarter cents per pound,
j and eggs six to eight cents per dozen. Cofl'ee sold
j at forty to fifty cent^i per pound, sugar from twenty
to tw'enty-five cents per pound, and that wdiich was
called loaf-sugar, put up in conical form, forty to fifty
cents per pouncL Dry-goods were equally high, the
I common calico selling at more than half a dollar per
[ yard. Whiskey was sold by all of the merchants, and
j an unadulterated article of good quality could be pro-
I cured for ten or twelve cents per quart.
\ At this time (1820-25) there were living in the vil-
: lage a number of the early settlers, men who had
lived as far back as the Revolutionary war, and prom-
inent among them was Peter Schaefler, who had
served through its campaigns and returned to enjoy
a long and peaceful life in the quiet town. He died
here in 1848, and, as he was born in 1751, he was in
his ninety-eighth year. George Redsecker, the early
landlord of the " Black Horse," was living here nearly
as late as the piTind of which we have spoken. lie
was a* captain in the Revolutionary war, Lowry's
battalion, and was at the Brandywine and Ger-
m'antown. He had one son, Samuel, and a num-
ber of his descendants are now residents of the bor-
ough. Simon (iross, another Kevulutionary char-
acter, was also living here about 1820, as well as
616
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Frederick Byrod, who had served in the war and
settled here soon after its close, prohably in 1785.
Jle was a native of Lancaster, and born in 1762. He
followed shoemaking alter locating in Elizabeth-
town, and was the iirst burgess of the borough. He
died here in 1840. His son George, the only one of
his thirteen children now living, was born in Eliza-
bethtown in 1802, and is probably the oldest person
in the borough born here.
Stephen Stephenson, one of the early residents and
a store-keeper, was a captain in the Whiskey Rebel-
lion. Some time after that organized opposition to
the Federal authority he went to Philadelphia to pur-
chase goods, and soon after he started back was taken
sick on the stage with yellow fever. He returned to
Philadelphia and died the same day, such was the
virulence of the disease.
Among the other settlers living in Elizabethtown
between the years 1812 and 1825 were Tetrah Jones
(a school-teacher, who died not long after the war of
1812), Alexander Kirchener (landlord of the " General
Washington"), Charles Wade (wh(jse grandchildren
now live in the borough), Michael Auxer, John Heft-
ley, James Close, George Walfley, Andrew Gross,
Thomas Eagan, John Herr, John Walfley, En-
gle (a saddler), Sayiii-iller, Joseph Atwood, Bern-
hardt Klouse, Jacob Gorgas, John George, Dennis
Kane, William Youse, Michael Coble, William Wal-
lace, Merrow, John Willett, John Gross, William
Heller, and Caspar Young.
Incorporation— List of Borough Officers, 1828-
83.— By 1826 the village had so iiiciea..,ud in popu-
lation that its residents deemed it expedient to iiave
a municipal government organized. Petition was
consequently. made to the Legislature, and on April
13, 1827, an act was passed incorporating the borough
of Elizabethtown. It was the third borough incor-
porated in the county. Whether or not officers were
elected in 1827 is uncertain, but the first showing on
the record are those for 1828. The following is a list
of those elected frojn that time to the present, so far
as the records show tliem :
, Jacob Peeler; no record of
HiS.— Buigeai, Frederick B.vrod; Cle
Council.
I«i9.— Uurt'ees, Jiicob Peeler.
18:)!.— Biirgesa, .\udrew Wade; Clerk, George Byrod. ( ,
lli.ii.— Uuracss, William M. Baxter; Clerk, S. Furry.
IK:i3-4C.— No record.
Isn.—Uurgeao, Jackson Shueffer; Clerk, Daniel Balmer.
lS4»-4U.—lJurgea3, Jackson SUaclTor; Clerk, Jacob lludsocker.
18Jt^-51. — Burges)*, Jackson Sliaeffur; no record lor cloik.
1852.— No record.
ISJ I.— Burgi-sa, Isaac Redsecker; Council, James Wilson, Abrm. Brene-
Ulan, Joseph Clinton, John Rhoads, George Byrod, George \V. Boyer.
18.'J4.— Burgess, Charles Ebbekee; Council, .\. Brerieman, George W.
Boyr, Jliuies Wiliwn, George Byrod, Henry Boll, Jacob Hoster;
Cirri., U F. Diier.
1865.— Burgess, William Wilson ; Council, A. Brenennin, James Wilson,
Henry Boll, Jacob Hoster, Henry Shultz, George Wealaud ; Clerk,
B. F.
1866.-
857.— Burgess, James Wilson ; Council, Henry Shultz, George WsaUuJ,' .
A. L. HiirroufI', Dr. S. Keller, George W. Boyer, Christ. Foltz; Clerk,
Beury Harm, my.
858.— Burgess. Daniel Balmer; Council, A. L. HarroufT, Dr. S. Kelltf,
G»orge \V. Boyer, Cliri-t. B'oltz, Abraham Greeiiawalt, Ambnm
ShruiiJ; Olelk, II. HiuiuoMy.
859— Rill gts,-, H. .^. W.i
C.I. GreeiiHWiill, Am
Clerk, H. Harmony.
SGO.— Burgess, James Wilson; Council, Col. Greeuawalt, Anibrot.
Shroad, John Ebeisole, I'etur Iloffer, Philip Fisher, Henry ShulU;
Cleik, H. Harmony.
SOI.— Bulges.-!, Jacob H. Bletz; Council, John Ehersole, Peter Holfw,
Henry Shultz, Philip Ki^lier, F. S. Bry.m, W. Marquart; Clerk, H,
Harmony.
862— Burgess, GeorgeW. Boyer; Council, Henry Shultz, Philip Fisher, !
F. S. Bryan, James Wilson, Christian Foltz, Jos. Clinton; Clerk, :
H. Haniioiiy.
863.— Burgees, Jacob Felix; Council,?. S. Bryan, James Wilson, Joe.
Clinton, John Eby, A. L, Harioufi-, A. Harchenrader ; Clerk, J. W.
Shaefler. -
864.- Burgess, Henry Harmony ; Council, Jos. Clinton, John Eby.i
L. Harrouff, A. Harchenrader, Jos. Eckert, J. W. Rooting; Clerk, J,
P. D.ilmer.
865.— Burge.-s, .lames Wilsou ; Council, A. L. Harrouff, A. Harchen-
rader, Jos Eckert, J. W. Iloetiiig, John Eby, Wm. Baiuej ; Clerk,
H. T, Scbullz.
860 — Bursess, U.Bieueuian ; Council, Jos. Eckert, J. W.Roeting, Jobs .
El.y, W illi.im Buiney, John F. Balmer, George Wealand ; Clerk, B.
U. Lehman.
867 —Burgess, A. L. Harrouff; Council, John Eby, William Bilnej,
John F. Balmer, George Wealaud, John Oldweilcr, Abraham Greeof
wall ; Clerk, S. L. Y.-tter.
808.- Burgess, A. L. Harrouff; Council, John F. Balmer, George We*
land, Abrahitm Greeuawalt, Jos. F. EcUinger, Jacob Felix, Geurgt
D. Lour; Clerk, J. V. Weigaud.
869.— Durgcss, Jacob Dyer; Council, Jos. F. Etkinger, Jacob Felll,
George D. Lour, Abiaham Broiieman, Samuel McLauigan, George
W. Boyer; Clerk, J. D. WeiganJ.
870.— Burgess, John Oldweiler; Council, Jos. F. Eckinger, Jacob Kelll,
Samuel JlcLunigaii, George W. Boyor, Henry Dissiuger, John Eljjj
Clerk, J. D. W.iganJ.
871.— Biiigebs, James Wilson; Council, Samuel McLanigan, George W.
B"yer, Henry Dl^slilt;er, John Eby, George Wealand, David Coble;
Clelk,J.D. Welgaiid.
S72.— Buigess, Janiei Wilson; Council, Henry Diasinger, John Eby,
George Wealand, J. B. Buch, H. A. Wade, John Iiigirs ; Clerk, J.
873— Buigess, John Hildebrand; Council, J. B. Buch, John Myeni, H.
A. Wade, Henry Dis^inger, J.C S. Hor,t, Matthew Siiiipsou; Clerk,
J. D. Weigand. ^ ,
874.-Burge63, John Hildebrund ; Council, J. B. Buch, John Myere, J.
C. S. Hoist, Slallhew Simpson, U. A. Wade, Mai tin Hess ; Clerk, J.
D. Weigand.
875 —Burgess, Daniel Balmer ; Council, J. C. S. Horst, MatthewSimpi.
son, H. A. Wade, Martin Hess, G. D. Lour, Martin Kolp; Clerk, J.
D. Wiegiuid.
870.— Burge~s, A. Harchenrader; Council, H. A. Wade, Maitin Hen,
G. D. Lour, Martin Kolii, Samuel Epier, Abiaham Greiiier ; Clerk,
J. D. Weigand.
.877— Biugesi, A. Harchenrader; Council, G. D. Lour, Martin Kolp
Clerk, J. D. Weigand.
878.— Burgess, A. Harcliennider ; Council, Samuel EpIer, Abraham
Greiner, Martin Hess, M.iltliew Simpson, H. A. Wado, J. 0. 8.
Hor-t; Clelk, J. D. Weigand. .■:
879.— Burgess, J. H. Brubaker ; Council, Martin Hess, Matthew Slmj.'-
son, U. A. Wade, J. C. S. Hoist, U. D. Courtney, B. G. Groff; Clerk,
J. D. Weigand.
880— Burgess, A. Harcheurader ; CoHncIl, H. A. Wtidi-, J. C. S. Hunt,
D D. Courlii.y, B.C. GrotI, J. G. Slauffer, I'lillip Singer ; Cleik.J.
881.-
isb, G. D. Lour; c
I Greii
ELIZABETHTOWN BOROUGH.
617
a.— Burgess, J. H. Brubaker ;
AbruluimGreiuer, Miiitiu Hm3, J. G. SUuEfer, Ai
J. D. Wei-aud.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE."
Jicob ReJaecker, April 14, 1840.
George liyrode, April 14, 1S40.
George Byrodu, April 15, 1846.
J»c».b R.-dsfcliiT, Ajinl 16, 1S45.
J«cob nedscclier, April 9, 1850.
Diuiel Bulmer, April 9, 1850.
George B> rode, April 11, 1854.
Iliwc Hoflor, April 10, 1855.
Henry U. Breneniaii, June 10, 1868.
George Byrodo, April 10, 1859.
Henry W. Brentman, April 14, 1803.
Samuel Eby, April, 1864.
George Byrodo, Aijril, 1865.
Daniel Buluier, Apjil, 1868.
Jiinies LyUL-h, April, 18C.8.
George Byrode, April, 1S7U.
Henry Iliirmony, April, 1873.
Samuel Eby, April, 1875.
J. B. Decker, April, 1878.
Henry Harmony, April, 1880.
John W. Sliaffer, April, 1880.
Jobn B. Docker, April, 1883.
Schools.— Little that is authentic can be said con-
cerning the early history of the schools in this bor-
ough. The first were, of course, in all es.sential par-
ticulars like the primitive schools of other new
settlements.
About tlie beginning of the present century a log
building, which had originally served as a place of
worship for the Catholics, was supplanted so far as
religious purposes were concerned by a finer structure
and devoted instead to educational. A school was
kept ill it for many years prior to 1840. There was
another log school-house in the village, the site of
which was afterwards occupied by a brick school-
house. This was afterwards used as a public hall and
then as a dwelling-house, and is now owned by Henry
Boll.
In 1843 the borough accepted by vote the conditions
of the free school law of 18-34. The western or upper
portion of Mount Joy township and also Conoy town-
eliip then voted here as well as the inhabitants of the
borough. The question of " free school" or " no free
kIiooI" was to be decided in Mount Joy township
and Elizabethtown by a majority of the combined
vote of town and country ; a majority in Elizabetlitown
were in favor of free schools, but the majority op-
posed to the system iu the country would have over-
whelmed them had it not been for an unforeseen cir-
cumstance. It so happened that when the sun rose
on the day of election it revealed a heavy snow three
feet in depth and in many places covering the fences.
This prevented the country opposition from coming
into town to 'cast their ballots, and the P^lizabethtown
yoters easily carried the day.
"The following day," says Mr. Baer, in his*'iRemi-
nisceuces," "showed how strong the opposition would
have told against the free-schoolers, for the country
people came to town on horseback, in sleighs and
sleds, and on foot by the hundreds, and sought the
justice's office to upset the election of the day pre-
vious. Such another hullabaloo among the seem-
ingly finiot and staid country-people you never could
have imagined. It was at times thought the matter
would end in a row, or that the town would stand in
danger of being besieged. An event took place that
did more, in all probability, to bring about quiet
and peace than forty speeches could have effected."
In the office of the justice of the peace (Jacob Red-
secber) there was a large box stove, in which roared
and crackled a huge fire of dry hickory. The stove
was almost red hot, the room crowded and uncom-
fortably warm, although outside the mercury was
down nearly to zero. Finally, when the temper of
the angry mob as well as the atmosphere had reached
its highest heat, and an outbreak was not unex-
pected, there came a sudden change. Every man in
the room was seized with a short hacking cough or a
rasping sneeze. All rushed for the door and fresh
air. The room was cleared in less time than it had
taken to tell it, and the remonstrators against the
result of the election, effectually beaten, in a few
hours wended their way homeward. Some mis-
chievous person had thrown a large handful of red
pe|)per upon the stove.
The free schools were put in operation very soon
after the acceptance of the law. In 1855 there were
two in the borough, each employing one teacher, and
the total number of pupils was one hundred and
forty-three. The amount of tax levied was three
hundred and twenty dollars, and the amount received
from the State appropriation sixty-four dollars and
five cents. The cost of instruction was three hun-
dred and twenty-five dollars.
Under the old system of schools the best was un-
doubtedly one kept by Dr. J. W. B. Dobler, and in
it a number of the leading citizens of the borough as
well as many who have found residence elsewhere
obtaine<l their early education.
Under the new system, adopted by the vote of 1843,
there was a slow but steady improvement, in which
the most noticeable event was the building of the
new school-house in 1873-74. This was a step ren-
dered necessary by the increased attendance and grow-
ing educational oecessities. The first move towards
the accomplishment of the result was upon the 7lh of
October, when A. Harchenrader, Samuel GrofF, and
Levi Coble were appointed a committee to see where
ground could be most advantageously purchased.
This was followed, November 5th of the same year,
by the whole board constituting them.selves as a com-
mittee, as follows: A. Harchenrader, president; H.T.
Schultz, secretary ; Emanuel Hoffman, treasurer; Levi
Coble, Cyrus Sweigart, and Samuel GrofF; and the re-
sult of their conference was the selection, in January,
1873, of the lot on which the present school-house
stands, which was purchased of Mr. S. Detweiler for
eight hundred dollars. A petition was made to the
court to authorize the board to borrow five thimsand
dollars,' and a vote was taken of the taxable citizens,
which resulted in a majority in favor of the proceed-
ing. The board subsequently made application for
authority to borrow an additional five thousand dol-
building io.se sixty-lour by forty-eight. The mason-
618
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
and brick-work was done by Samuel IMcLanachan,
the carpentry by Cyrus Sweigart, who resigned from
the board to take charge of it, and tlie painting con-
tract was awarded to Jamea Wilson. Tlie dedication
of the structure, completed and furnished at a cost
of twelve thousand dollars, took place May 5, 1874,
under the auspices of the board, to wit: President,
Emanuel Hofl'man; Treasurer, Levi Coble; Secre-
tary, H. T. Schultz; Robert Ross, Samuel Patterson.
A large procession, headed by the band, marched
from Boll's Hall to the new building, and addresses
were made there by Rev. G. H.Trabert, David Evans,
Esq., W. H. Duhiing, W. A. Wilson, Esq., William
Riddle, and Professor B. F. Shaub, county superin-
tendent. The first teachers in the new building were
G. W. Irwin, principal ; Miss A. Engle, Miss C. Gable,
and Miss M. Kuhns.
The statistical report for 1882 shows that Eliza-
bethtown has four schools, in each of which one
teacher is employed, two being gentlemen and two
ladies. The number of pupils is two hundred and
seventy-one. The total receipts were S4141.G2, of
which amount only $213.44 was from the State appro-
priation, and the total expenditures were S3981.15, of
which SliyO was paid as teachers' wages, and §2791.15
for all other expenses. The liabilities were put down
at $5339.53.
Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church.'— This
congregation was in existence long bel'ore the Revolu-
tionary war, but as the early records are very defec-
tive, its history cannot be as completely presented as
we would wish it. According to existing church
books the earliest regular pastor who can authorita-
tively be mentioned as laboring here was the Rev.
Mr. England, who began in 1752. Until about 1775
services were held in a dwelling several miles from
Elizabethtown, which was subsequently enlarged and
converted into a church, .\bout 1780 a log cliurch
building was erected in Elizabethtowu in which ser-
vices were held for more than a score of years. On
July 1, 1804, the corner-stone of the present church
was laid. The house was consecrated Oct. 11, 1807.
Following is a list of the pastors from 1752 to the
present, with the dates of the beginning of their
respective pastorates: Rev. England, 1752; Rev.
Tilling (date unknown) ; Rev. Ilorsel, 17Gp ; Rev. J.
H. Chr. Helmuth, 1769; M. Enderline, 1771 ; J. D.
Schroeder, 1778; J. V. Melsheimer, 1782; J. W.
Kurz, 1786; P. Bentz, 1792; J. P. Ernst, 1802; J.
P. Cramer, 1806; W. G. Ernst, 1812; J. Strein, 1815;
J. Speck, 1823; F. Ruthrauff, 1829; J. H. Bernheim,
1832; L. Gerhart, 1838; William Gerhart, 1847; M.
Souilhaiis, 1852; William G. Laitzle, 1854; J. W.
Early, 1866; F.' W. Weiskotten, 1868; G. H. Tra-
bcrt, 1873; IL J. H. Lemcke, 1877; JG. S. Seaman,
1882. This congregation was formerly embraced in
an extensive pastoral charge which included congre-
gations at Mount Joy, Maytown, Bainbridge,
Colebrook. Gradually the size of the charge
lessened until the spring of 1882, when this congre-
gation decided to call a pastor of its own and coO'
stitute a se])arate clnirge. Tlie church has now aboul
two lAindred and twenty-five communicants and »
flourishing Sun. hiy-schoi.l.
Christ Reformed Church- was organized about
the year 1740 in what was then Donegal, now We«t
Donegal township, about one mile south of its pre««'
ent location. In 1767, Peter Blazer and his wifecon«]
veyed one acre of land to the congregation for thj;
consideration of twenty shillings, lawful money of;
Pennsylvania, and an annual rental of one gfaifi of
wheat. The deed says that " it is a piece of ground'
on which the church in whicb Rev. Conrad Bucher
is pastor now stands." The trustees were Leonard;
Negley, Simon Carbach, Johannes Thominah, Nich-
olas Rizecker, and George Rizecker. This church^
was known as Blazer's Church. The early recordi'
and some later ones were lost a few years ago in th»
burning of the house of the secretary of the consis-'
tory. Before the pastorate of Rev. Conrad Bucher,
Rev. Christian Henry Ranch was pastor in 1746.
He performed extensive missionary labors among tha
Indians. During his ministry the earliest record in.
our possession begins. His charge covered conside>
able territory, viz., Heidelberg, Tulpehocken, Miihl-
bach, Matthias Dietz's, Swatara, Que-to-pa-hil-la,
Donegal, Warwick, Leonard Bender's, Lancaster,
Mode Creek, Coventry (Chester County), Oley (Berh
County), and Skippack and Goshenhoppen in Mont-
gomery County. In 1747 the congregation was visited
by Rev. Michael Schlatter, the "father of the Ee-
formed Church in the United States." The next pw-
tor was the Rev. Conrad Templeinan. Then camo
Rev. Bucher, mentioned in the deed. He came to thii
country as an officer in the Indian wars. His chnrgo"
was even more^extensive than Ranch's. During th*
war of the Revolution, from 1777 to 1784, Rev. Joha'
William Runkel became the pastor. He was suo-j
ceeded by Rev. Ludwig Lupp. Then came the pas^,
torate of Rev. Jonathan Heister. The old log cliurcl
no longer met the wants of tlie congregation, and, in^
asmuch as a town liad been laid out and settled upoo
the turnpike, a new church was built. Thus in 1815
the corner-stone of the present church was laid.
Rev. Henry Shairner was jiastor. His pastorate wai
the longest in the history of the congregation, extend
ing over a period of thirty-four years. The lot on
which the new church was built was donated by
Leonard Negley, and a few ye;irs later his residence
was purchased as a parsonage. This was afterwardi
sold -by the trustees. After his resignation the con^
gregation passed under a cloud of adversity. He wa«
followed by Revs. Ilelfenstein and John Hoff-
hems, who served brief jiastorates. Then for many
^ m
ELIZABETHTOWN BOROUGH.
years the church was supplied by ministers from
neighboring charges until 1857, when tlie Rev. John
Nailhi became pastor. During his pastorate the con-
gregation recovered much of its former strength ;
tlie church was modernized at considerable expense.
For some reason, however, the latter half of the pas-
torate witnessed a serious decline in prosperity. He
resigned in 1868, and was followed by Rev. J. G.
Fritchey as supply. He labored faithfully and suc-
cessfully for six years, during which time the church
was roused into new life. He was instrumental in
erecting a fine parsonage. In 1874, Rev. J. H. Pan-
nebecker, the present incumbent, became pastor.
During his pastorate the congregation prospered
greatly. The membership rose from sixty to one
hundred and forty, the church was renovated and
beautified, and the congregation may once more be
ranked among the leading ecclesiastical organizations
in the community.
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church.'— Among
the first Catholics who settled near Elizabethtown of
whom we have certain knowledge were Henry Eck-
enroth and family, Conrad and Andrew Gross, George
Witman, Peter and Anthony Youtz, John Kauft'man,
and others, who came here in or about the year 1752.
Almost contemporaneous with these were the Eckels
(now called Eagles), Allwines, Wades, Myers, Mas-
tersons, Ovendorfs, Wilsons, and others. The first
regular divine services were held in the house of Mr.
Henry Eckenroth, and as most of the people were
Germans, so the priests who at that time attended this
mission were German missionaries, whose headquar-
ters were with the Jesuit Father.s at Conewago, a sta-
tion near Hanover, York Co., Pa. In or about the
year 1708 a log church was erected near the present
site of St. Peter's, and named St. Mary's of the As-
sumption. This building was in use until the year
1799, when the new stone church was ready for divine
worship and called St. Peter's. Father Louis Barth,
who lived and was as.sociated with the Rev. Michael
Egan (afterwards the first Bishop of Philadelphia) at
Lancaster, had charge of this then growing congrega-
tion in the year 1795, and to his zeal and energy this
present old church is mainly due, and his memory is
still warmly cherished by the children whose parents
dearly loved Father Barth. 8 |
On the 10th day of July, 1798, the congregation
was visited by the Right Rev. Bishop John Carroll,
the first and at that time the only bishop in the
United States. The church continued to be in charge
of the inirish prie-st-s of Lancaster, notably among
whom was the venerable and well-known Father
Tlernnrd Ktennn, who took charge of this mission in
till' year 1825, ;ind continued its pastor until 1832,
when the Kcv. Michael Curran, wdio resides at Har-
risburg, became pastor, under whose administration
the rear portion was added to'the church, which gives
it its present cruciform shape. Father Curran was
succeeded in 1835 by the Very Rev. W. Steinbacker,
S.J., who in turn was followed by the popular Father
Piefcc Maher, of Harrisburg, Pa. In the year 1840,
the Rev. F. X. Marshall was appointed resident pas-
tor. Besides making many improvements in the
church. Father Marshall directed the building of the
parsonage which adjoins the church. Father Jlar-
shall was succeeded in 1853 by the Rev. M. Filan, at
present the honored pastor of the Church of the An-
nunciation, in Philadelphia, who in turn was followed
by the lamented Father John McCosker, who at the
opening of the late Rebellion entered the army as
cliaplain, and after the war the good and patriotic
Father John lingered a short time in the hospital at
Philadelphia, where he died in 1865. At this time
the principal members of the congregation consisted
of Messrs. James Ferry, Henry Shitz, Joseph Strauss,
J. Lynch, J. Halbleib, Henry Boll, Andrew Wade,
Anthony Herkenroether, H. A. Wade, Daniel O'Don-
nell, John and Francis Eagle. James Boyle, Edward
Sweeny, Paul Witman, Conrad Shafler, S. Ulrick,
and others, all well-known families of Elizabethtown
and vicinity at the present time. The priest who
succeeded Father McCosker was the Rev. Hugh Ma-
gorien, who died and was buried here in 1864.
Father John J. ilcllvaine then took charge, who in
turn was followed by the Rev. Charles McMonigle,
under whose pastorate an important addition was
made to the parsonage. Father Neal McMenamia
followed in the year 1877, and to his zeal and energy
is especially due the opening of a way leading from
the main street to the church, called St. Peter's Ave-
nue, an improvement useful as it is beautiful.
Father McMenamin was succeeded in the year
1879 by the present pastor. Rev. J. C. Foin, who has
been very successful in making many new and neces-
sary improvements in and about the church. During
his pastorate stained-glass windows of beautiful de-
sign and figures were put in the church ; also a tower
and bell were added. The bell, the largest in town,
was presented by Mr. Henry Boll. Other improve-
ments, such as jiaintings and statuary of rare beauty,
were recently added, so that the church is one of the
handsomest as well as one of the oldest in the county.
The Church of God (Winebrennarian) was or-
ganized ill 1837 at the house of Michael Cramer, and
originally consisted of just six members, — Abram
Brenneman, Michael Cramer, Mrs. M. Cramer, Jlar-
tha Kopp, Hannah Kopp, and Margaret Cramer.
The first preaching to which these people and a lim-
ited congregation listened was in the brick school-
house. This and other places of worship served the
little cliurch as a place for weekly meetings until
July, 1853, when their present church was finished
and appropriately dedicated. Rev. John Winebrenner
preacliing the sermon on that occasion. The first
settled pastiirof the church was Rev. Jacob Keller,
who located in lilizabcthtown in 1838. Following
620
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
him, in 1840, came Rev. E. H. Tliomas. Since liis
time the succession has been as follows, the pastors
usually serving two years: Revs. Joseph Ross, 1842 ;
E. H. Thomas, 1844; Joseph H. Bambarger, George
U. Horn, Thomas Strom, 1845 ; David Kaylor, 1847 ;
Abram Snider, William Mulleni.x, Jesse Hafleigh,
Jacob Keller, 1849; Carlton Price, 1850; Abram
Swartz, 1852; Jacob Keller, 1863 ; J. Hafleigh, 1855;
George Zeigler, 1857 ; Carlton Price, 1861 ; J. S.
Staum, 18(j3; E. H. Thomas, 1864; A. Swartz, 1865;
W. O. Oweu, 1866; Thomas Beam, 1868; J. W. De-
shong, 1869; J. C. Seabroks, 1872; J. W. Felix, 1873;
D. S. Shook, 1874; J. M. Speese, 1877 ; Joseph B.
Lockwood, 1879 ; S. B. Howard, 1881 ; S. W. NaiU,
1882. The church has a membership of about seventy-
five, is in a flourishing condition both spiritually and
temporally, and has in the past year given indication
of the latter by the erection of a fine parsonage at a
cost of twelve hundred dollars.
The United Brethren Church was organized in or
prior to 1852. The present house of worship was pur-
chased in the year mentioned from the Winebrenna-
riaus, or Church of God. The congregation is small,
and is ministered to at present by the Rev. L. R.
Kramer, who has three or four other ap[)ointments in
the county.
Post-Office.— It is probable that the Elizabethtown
post-otfice was established as early as 1781; and that
George Redsecker was the first postmaster. The mail
was received and dispensed at his tavern, the " Black
Horse," for many years. The names of the postmas-
ters prior to the last half-century cannot be obtained,
but the succession since 1832 has been as follows:
1832, James McLaughlin; 1836, Jacob Redsecker;
1840, Samuel Redsecker; 1848. John Lynch; 1852,
B. F. Baer; 1855, John A. Gross; 1860, William
Wagoner; 1866, Miss Annie Wieland; 1878, Miss
Rosa Raudabush. The office lias been kept succes-
sively in the Black Horse tavern, J. Dyers' building,
the stone dwelling of Robert Ross, in Andrew Dis-
senger's store-room, and in that of J. .V. & A. G. Gross,
in Lewiu's building.
Financial— Borough Scrip— A Bank.— During
the period of depression following the financial panic
of 1837 the borough, like several others in the county,
i.ssued promissory notes, or, as they were afterwards
contemptuously called, " shinplastcrs," in deiiomina-
tions of 61 cents (" fips"), 12.} cents ("levies"), 25
and 50 cents, and probably some for larger amounts.
These were quite a convenience to the business com-
munity. They were roughly engraved and printed
on an old Franklin hand-press in this place by a Ger-
man printer named Lietli, as were also those issued by
the borough of INIarietta. When the burgess of the
latter place came to fool up his accounts alter redeem-
ing in specie the notes that were presented, he found
that he had redeemed about sjx hundred dollars' worth
more than had becji issued. It was' then discoveied
tlial mnny of tliu notes were counterfeits, and sus-
picion pointing to the printer steps were taken
towards his arrest. Lieth doubtless suspected thai
he was watched, for a fire occurred in the chimney
of liis printing-office one morning, which the citizem
were very sure destroyed the blocks and other articli
whiclr would have criminated him, and he soon after
left town.
It was not until 1869 that the people were g
the benefit of a regular financial institution. In that"!
year the present Farmers' Bank was organized, with
the following officers, viz.: President, Abraham Col-
lins; Cashier, Samuel Eby ; Clerk, John Hertzler.
Samuel Eby.— The progenitor of the Eby family
in America, if tradition be correct, is Theodore Eby,'
a Swiss Mennonite, who, having suftered religious pe^
secution, left his native place, and about the year 1700 ;
settled for a brief time in the Palatinate, or Pfaltz, in
Germany. About the year 1716, Theodore Eby, with '
several others of kindred belief, came to the Uuited
States under the auspices of William Penn, and settled
on Mill Creek, in what is now Leacock townshi[). He
had six scjns, all of whom were industrious mechanic*
or farmers. A i'nw years later Peter Eby, a relative
of Theodore, followed him to America. The soqb
of Theodore settled in various portions of Lancaiter
County, one named Christian locating on Hammer
Creek, another (probably Peter) choosing a home on
Pequea Creek, these two forming the branches of the
family known as the Mill Creek, Hammer Creek, and
Pequea Ebys. Peter, a grandson of Theodore, was a
farmer, and probably the first Mennonite bishop in
the county. He was ordained about the year 1800,
and creditably filled the position both in the United
States and Canada for many years. Peter was a posi-
tive man, of clear, native mind, a natural orator, and,
though making no pretense to a thorough scholaatio
training, commanded, both in temporal and spiritual
matters, the deference of his brethren. His death
occurred April 6, 1843, in his eightieth year.
The great-grandfather of Samuel, the subject of thil
biographical sketch, was Peter Eliy, who settled in
what is now Upper Leacock township, on a farm of
three hundred acres.
He had sons, Peter, Samuel, Andrew, Henry, David,
Christian, and John, all of whom followed farming
employments, and one daughter, Ann.
These sons, in accordance with their religious faith,
were non-resistants, though during the period of the
Revolution, when Washington was hard pressed by
the British forces, Peter and Samuel, the eldest sons,
voluntarily shouldered their own guns and Joined the ■
Continental troops, and were at New York when the
city was captured. After the seizure of a quantity of
wheat, in the barn of Samuel Eby, four ol his .sons
joined the army at Valley Forge during the winter,
and, having served as volunteers uiuler Washington,
returned in the spring to their farm labor.
Samuel and Peter lived and died U|i<,n the mansion
farm, .lolni and (Jluisliau settled in Dauidiin (^uinty.
ELIZABETHTOWN BOROUGH.
621
I
1
Pa., where their lives were spent. Henry and David
died in Cumberland County, Pa., and Andrew re- j
moved to North Carolina, where he reared a feraily
and spent his declining years.
Samuel, the grandfatlier of Samuel above named,
resided in what is now Upper Leacook township. His
children were Samuel, Jonas, Elizabeth, and Bar-
bara, of whom Jonas became possessor of the family t
property. He married Salome Line, daughter of a
neighboring farmer, and had four children. Their
son Samuel was born at the ancestral home in Lea-
cock township iu 1833. His early youth was spent
on the farm, after which he received an academic
education, and studied surveying and conveyancing
uiuler Israel Carpenter, of Lancaster. In 1853 he
engaged in the pursuit of his profession in the borough
of Elizabeth town, and after an extended business, in
1870 entered the Farmers' Bank of that place as cashier.
He was in 1858 elected director of the Middletown
Bank, which office he held for a period of six years.
Mr. Eby was elected justice of the peace of the bor-
ough of Elizabethtown, and administered the duties
of his office with marked discretion and judgment, no
appeal having been taken from the decisions on his
docket during his period of service. The office, how-
ever, not proving congenial to his tastes, he declined
a further incumbency. He was chosen president of
the Beading, Marietta and Hanover Railroad Com-
pany, but, owing to onerous demands upon his time,
tendered his resignation, which was laid over for
further action. Mr. Eby was married in 18G5 to
Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Abrain Collins. Their
children are a son, Abraui, and a ilaughtcr, Mary.
Mr. Eby was reared in the faith of his ancestors,
that of the Mennonite Church.
Manufacturing, — Elizabethtown has never at-
tained note as a place for the encouragement of
manufacturing. During the thirties the silk-worm
excitement was quite prevalent in the country, and
Elizabethtown did not escape the fever of speculative
investment. The building now owned by William
Fletcher was at one time literally filled with silk-
worms, and the farmers in the surrounding country
raised large quantities of .^/o)v(.?«iu/^(V(H//i's. The pro-
ject of silk production was soon abandoned, and the
building which we have mentioned was theuiii^sed for
a time as a starch- factory.
The oldest of the present manufacturing establish-
ments is the large steam tannery carried on by A. G.
Redsecker & Son, and started forty years since by
Isaac Redsecker.
The foundry and agricultural implement manufac-
tory owned by Buch & Heisey was established on a
sinnll Mcale by the senior member of the present firm
iu 18G8. A partnership was formed, one year later,
between Mr. Buch and a Mr. Groff, and the present
one was formed in 187C. Iirthis year the shop was
burned down, but- it was immediately rebuilt on a
much larger scale, and has been constantly carried on
and prosperously since that time. The works are
run by steam-power and employ about fifteen men.
In 1876, Joseph Groff built a steam flouring-mill
in »he lower end of the borough, adjoining the agri-
cultural implement factory, which he sold in 1877 to
Jacob &. StauHer, the present proprietor, who en-
larged and improved it, and now has four sets or
runs of stones in constant operation making flour.
Mr. StaufJer also carries on a large warehouse and "
ships grain quite extensively. Two other ware-
houses, owned respectively by B. G. Groff and
Pierce & Keener, are open to the farmers who seek
a market for their grain.
Newspapers.— r/i(? Trumpet, started by B. F. Leh-
man in 1SG4, is the earliest Elizabethtown newspaper
of which we have trustworthy information, although
report gives credit to the existence of a newspaper in
or before 1833, and it is remembered that several
small publications— TVie Gospel Banner, The Oiol, and
The Comet — led ephemeral lives subsequently. For
all practical purposes The Trumpet may be considered
the beginning of newspaper |)rinting in Elizabeth-
town. The name of this paper was changed to The
Gazette soon after it was established, and in 18G9 Mr.
Lehman, suspending publication here, removed to
Mount Union, where he issued The News.
The ChroincJe, at present the only journal published
in the borough, was established in December, 1869,
by Messrs. Westafer & McCord. The former is now
the sole proprietor, Mr. McCord having withdrawn in
1872. The Chronicle has been from time to time im-
proved in various ways, and in 1882 was enlarged to
an eight-column sheet, twenty-six by forty 'inches.
It has a circulation of upwards of one thousand in
Lancaster, Dauphin, and Lebanon Counties, and is a
sprightly local news journal. In politics it is inde-
pendent.
The Thespian Society.— In 1842 the young men
of the borough organized a Thespian Society, which
remained in existence for a number of years and was
a notable institution of the town. A frame hall was
built on the lot now owned by Col. N. H. Brenne-
man, and a number of amateur dramatic entertain-
ments were given there to good audiences. Alter a
flourishing holiday season the structure was crushed
by a heavy snowfall, and the society, having attained
a good financial condition, immediately built another
hall larger and more substantial than the first. This
had seating capacity for over three hundred persons,
and during the next holiday season it was repeatedly
crowded to its utmost capacity. The performances
given were of a good order of merit, and the company
achieved a reputation which made it possible for
them to visit other [ilaces and play before large audi-
ences. Occasionally they were assisted by some
strolling actor from Philadelphia or New York, and
on those occasions the company was able to produce
such plays as " Pizarro," " The School for Scandal,"
and "The Stranger." The company had an ex-
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
tremely good comediaii in Mr. Frederick Leader.
The society flourished for several seasons, and doubt-
less would have done so a considerable time longer
but for the damper that was thrown upon their ardor
by the absconding of their dishonest treasurer with a
fund of several hundred dollars belonging to them.
The Friendship Fire-Engine and Hose Com-
pany, No. 1.— Tliis company was ori;anized in the
year IS'M, and had in use a small Vulcan engine,
costing five hundred dollars, bought by subscription
and an appropriation of Councils. Isaac Kauffman,
Henry Smith, and Michael KautTman were appointed
to take care of and keep in repair the engine, which
is yet in possession of the company.
The company was reorganized April 3, 1859, at a
meeting of the citizens of the borough of Elizabeth-
town at the house of Col. A. Greenawalt, and the
following members were enrolled, viz. : D. W. Balmer,
Gabriel Young, Reuben Bender, Uriah Frank, Jacob
A. Coble, Frank S. Andrews, Rufus Frank, Ambrose
Shrode, Samuel Hosier, H. A. Wade, John W.'
Shaffer, Jacob H. Bletz, John Oldweiler, H. M.
Breiieman, Harrison T. Shultz, Christ. Ebersole,
Christ. Foltz, Christ. Mickey, George F. Wagner.
At a meeting held April 26, 1859, a constitution
was adopted, of which the following was the pre-
amble :
" Whereas, The citizens of the borougliof Elizabfthtowu, Pa., seeing
the lucesailj- of inoru amply securing iindiuotecliiigllieir Lull. lings, Lave
deemed it advisable tn provide a tire-eiigiiie tor the prutectiun of their
property Iroin the tlevouriiig and destructive element of H re, therefore
the fullovviug constitution for the government of the Friendship Fire
Company of Elizabethtown, Pa."
At the same meeting the following oliicers were
elected, viz. :
President, Col. A. Greenawalt; Vice-President,
John A. Gross; Secretary, Jacob H. Bletz; Treas-
urer, James Wilson; Chief Engineer, Christian Foltz.
A Rogers engine was purchased from the Friend-
sliip Fire Company, of Baltimore, at a cost of eight
liundred dollars, during this year, which was in ser-
vice for twenty years. During the rebel raid into
Pennsylvania it was loaned to the Penn.sylvania Rail-
road Company, for the purpose of pumping water for
their engines at the depot, their water supply not
being sufficient, owing to the running of uU their
trains of this branch of the road.
Monday evening. May 7, 1860, the following offi-
cers were elected: A. Dissinger, president, ; John A.
Gross, vice-president ; J. H. liletz, secretary ; James
Wilson, treasurer.
Monday evening, Dec. 3, 1800, the company met in
their new engine-house for the first time. It is yet
nspcl for t;1iat purpose, and in the mean lime has been
used for Council chamber and school-house. It was
built at a cost of four hundred and eighty-nine dol-
lars and twenty-two cents, and Col. A. Greenawalt,
Samuel Eby, Petec Holler, Jacob FcH-n;, and F. S.
Bryaiis were appointed trustees; Samuel Eby, presi-
dent; Jacob Feli.K, vice-president; George F. Wi'l-,
son, secretary ; H. M. Breneman, treasurer. TlietW
officers were re-elected for the following year.
'f he company disbanded in 1862, many of its mem-
bers having enlisted in the Union army, aad tlit
Friendship was reorganized July 26, 1867, by the fol-
lowing gentlemen: S. H. Brubaker. A. Breneman, F,
G. Sayler, A. B. Rult, Henry Boll, Reuben Coble, J.
W. Shaffer, Reuben Betz, C. Brinser, Charles Hosier,
J. F. Rothermal, George Weber, Samuel Foltz, Abram
Balmer, Ellis Haldeman, Emanuel Hippard, John
Wiegand, John H. Steiner. Samuel Brubaker \vu
elected president ; Amos Ganlz, vice-president!
Abram Balmer, secretary ; A. Breneman, treasurer;
Harry White, chief engineer. This organization
continued but one year.
The last and present organization was etfected July
14, 1876, when Samuel Eby was elected president;
A. Eby, vice-president; J. G. VVeslafer, secretary!
Joseph Heise, treasurer; Tobias Nissley, chief en-
gineer.
Aug. 8, 1878, the following officers were elected;
President, D. D. Courtney ; Vice-President, J. Q,
Weslafer ; Secretary, Milton Wealand ; Assistant
Secretary, H. C. Lewis; Treasurer, Tobias Keillor;
Engineer, Tobias Nissley ; Assistant Engineers, George
W. Redsecker, Sebastian Keller, Jr.
A meeting was held Dec. 19, 1878, in the engine-
house by citizens and members of the company, when
some able remarks were made by Mr. A. Dissinger
and others in regard to the purchasing of a steam fire-
engine. A committee consisting of J. H. Brubaker,
George Bynd, E. llnirman, Tobias Kehlor, B. G. Groff
was appointed to solicit petitioners for a new steam
fire-engine, and to present the same to the Council for
1 their consideration.
I The Friendship Fire-Engine and Hose Company
was chartered Dec. 30, 1878.
The new steam fire-engine manufactured by Clapp
& Jones, Hudson, N. Y., arrived in June, 1879, when
it was thoroughly tested and accepted by the Council.
The following officers were elected for 1880: Pres-
ident, D. D. Courtney; Vice-President, J. C. Red-
secker; Secretary, H. C. Lewis; Assistant Secretary,
W. A. Lainl; Treasurer, Tobitis Kehlor; Foreman,
Harry Starlach ; Assistant Foreman, William M.
Barttels; Chief Engineer, T. W. Nissley ; Chief Hose
Director, R. S. Ross.
The first inspection of the company with their
steam-engine and apparatus took i>lace on Jan. 1,
1880, being conducted by the Burgess and Council.
Speeches were made by J. H. Brubaker, Burgess,
and Councilmen II. A. Wade, B. G. Groff, and M.
Hess, expressing themselves as well pleased with the
condition of the company and its apparatus. Speeches
in response were made by President D. D. Courtney,
R. S. Ross, J. G. Westofer, and others.
'i'he first fire that the company were at with their
steamer was at Mr. Sweeny's, on May 29, 1880, when
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
623
they did efficient service in keeping the fire under
control and saving tlie large warehouse opposite.
In January, 1881, the company elected officers as
follows: President, D. D. Courtney; Vice-President,
J. C. Redsecker; Secretary, H. C." Lewis.
Sept. 5, 1881, D. D. Courtney was elected delegate
to Fireman's Association, held in Maennerchor Hall,
city of Reading.
The company elected officers for 1882, as follows:
President, D. D. Courtney; Vice-President, J. C.
Redsecker; Secretary, R. J. Seitz.
In January, 1882, the company held a ladies' fair,
from which they realized nine hundred and forty-
two dollars and ninety-six cents, with which it is in-
tended at some time to huild an engine-house.
The following are the officers of the company at the
present time: President, D. D.Courtney; Vice-Pres-
ident, J. C. Redsecker; Secretary, J. D. Weigand ;
Assistant Secretary, Harry Huntsberger; Treasurer,
Tobias Kehlor; Foreman, J. R. Dickr; As.sistant
Foreman, J. D. Weigand; Chief Engineer, G. W.
Redsecker; Assistant Engineers, J. D. Weigand, R.
J. Seitz, J. B. Buch, E. E. Coble, J. G. Stautfer;
Chief Hose Director, J. S. Groff; Assistant Hose
Directors, Tobias Kehlor, S. Y. Heisey, D. D. Court-
ney, H. H. Brubaker, R. S. Ross ; Firemen, H. C.
Bryan, H. U. Coble; Finance Committee, A. Dissin-
ger, R. S. Ross ; Property Protectors, J. G. Stauffer,
A. Dissinger, Tobias Kehlor; Janitor, George W.
Redsecker.
The company at the present time has forty-five
men on tlie roll as active nienibers, and is in a tloiir-
ishing condition, with the prospect of increasing its
Btrength.
Cornet Band. — As early as 1840 there was a brass
band in the borough which had been organized by
Dr. S. Keller, an effective instructor, whose activity
in musical matters has extended through a period of
nearly half a century. The band had much to do in
the famous Harrison campaign of 1840, but became
more meritorious by 1848, and from that time to 1856
liad a reputation that extended to otlier towns. At
this time the band had a uniform and a full line of
fine brass instruments. The present Elizabethtown
Cornet Band was organized July 19, 18G7, and the
body comjjrised Dr. S. Keller, Sr., as presiden|t. ; S. L.
Yetter, vice-president; W. K. Jeffries, secretary ; Jacob
liuch, treasurer ; and S. Keller, Jr., leader. The band
waa uniformed in the following year. In 187(3 it was
incorporated with the fdllowing cliarter juembers,
viz., S. Keller, Jr., W. H. Duliling, Henry Sliarlock,
John C. Red.secker, J. P. Ocsehgan, J. W. Murray,
E. Oreiser, H. J. Greenwalt, Pliilip Singer, J. D.
Weijfaml,' B. F. Dohner, J. A. Goble, L. Scheetz, J.
C. ^tambangh, G. A. Schwan, C. B. Shcrbahn, H.
Louer, Frank Rutherford, H. J. Seitz, and R. J.
Seitz.
Elizabethtown Lodge, No. 128, I. 0. 0. F., was
instituted Sept. 29, 1S1.\ witli Jac.b Redsecker, Jack-
sou Sheaffer, Sebastian Keller, Benjamin Sheffer, and
Joseph Buchanan as cliarter members. Jacob Red-
secker was elected Noble Grand ; Jackson Sheaffer,
Vica Grand; Joseph Buchanan, Secretary; and Se-
bastian Keller, Treasurer. Tlie lodge has now forty
members, and owns the building, valued at three
thousand dollars, in wliich is its hall.
Fidelity Beneficial Society.— Tliis organization
was chartered and openeil business on the 17tb of
September, 1879. The following were the original
officers: President, Col. H. M. Brenneman; V^ice-
President, Daniel S. Will ; Secretary, E. B. Bierman ;
Treasurer, A. Dissinger; General Agent, S. R. Hack-
enberger; Medical Director, J. W. Coble, M.D. ; So-
licitor, William A. Wilson, Esq.; Directors, David
W. Crider, York ; B. B. Brenneman, Elizabethtown ;
George W. Hoverter, Harrisburg; S. Hackenberger,
Si-., Bainbridge; A. Dissinger, E. B. Bierman, H. M.
Breneman, J. W. Coble, M.D., S. R. Hackenberger,
of Elizabethtown; Clerks, Daniel Will, Bainbridge;
B. F. Baer and II. H. Brubaker, of Elizabethtown.
C H A P T E R XXXI V.
BOKOUGH OF MARIETTA.
Marietta is located on the left bank of the Sus-
quehanna River, forty-eight miles from its mouth,
and twenty-five miles below Harrisburg, the capital
of the State. It is two miles long and one-fourth of
a mile in width. In po|iuhitiou it is the third town
in the county.
Along the river shore the ground is level, extend-
ing back from four to six hundred feet, and is some-
times overflowed with water during a freshet. From
the first alley, running parallel with Front Street, the
ground in Waterford, or the western half of the town,
rises gradually lor a distauce of two hundred feet to
a terrace three hundred feet wide, when another and
more abrupt ascent commences, and runs for a dis-
tance of four liuiidred feet to level ground. The
ground in the lower half of the town ascends more
abruptly, and continues to the level ground along the
northern boundary of tlie town. The turnpike, or
Second Street, was cut and leveled alung the side of
the sloping hill.
Through the centre there runs from north to south a
stream of water, which rises upon the farm now owned
by Abraham N. Cassel, and passes through the farms
of James DufTy ; it passes the borough line at a point
between the lands formerly owned by James Ander-
son and David Cook, and thence through the laud of ■
the latter to the IVuiiM-lvania Canal, into which it
now empties.
The Town Laid Out.— Waterford was laid out
upon land, contaiuiiig three hundred acres, taken up
by Robert NVilkins, an Indian trader, in the year
624
HISTORY OP LANCASTEfl COUNTY.
1719. In the year 1727 he sold it to James Anderson,
the minister of Donegal Church, who, in 1740, by
will giive it to his sons James and Thomas. Thomas
and Mr. Anderson's widow released their interest to
James, who gave tlie same to his son James, who
gave it to his son James, who laid out the t(jwn of
Waterford.
In 1719, George Stewart took up several hundred
acres of land adjoining Robert Wilkins on the east.
He died in January, 1773, and liis eldest son, John,
came into possession of tlie land, and in 1738 he took
out a patent for three hundred and fifty acres and
allowance. On the 25tli day of November, 1748,
John Stewart and his wife, Ann, sold the land to
David Cook, wlio gave his son David two hundred
and twelve acres adjoiniiii,' Mr. .Anderson's laml, who
gave the same to his son David, wh(i hiid out the
town of New Haven.
David Cook also gave to his son James oue hun-
dred and filty-nine acres adjoining his son David's
tract on the east. On the 1st day of May, 1786, James
sold his farm to Jacob Nelf, of Hempfield township,
who died in tlie year 1798, leaving several children,
among whom was a daughter, Catharine, who mar-
ried Henry Cassel after her father's death. On the
17th day of April, 1806, Henry Acher, the executor
of Jacob Ned's estate, sold to Henry Cassel one hun-
dred and si.vty-two acres of the Stewart land, which
was probably his wife's share in Mr. Nefl''8 estate.
On the 1st day of January, 1814, Mr. Cassel sold off
forty-five acres of this farm, fronting on the river, to
Jacob Grosh, for fifty-eight thousand five hundred
dollars. Grosh laid the same out into building lots,
which now constitute the eastern section of the bor-
ough, which he called Moravian Town, but it was
nicknamed Buugletown, which latter name it retained
for many years.
By reference to the plan of the borough, it will be
seen that tlie boundary lines of the farms belonging
to Mr. Anderson, Cook, and Cassel formed an acute
angle with the river front. The surveyor, Isaac Tay-
lor, commenced to lay out lands for the Indian traders
in 1719, at a point a short distance below Conoy
Creek, and ran his lines at right angles with the river
front. The several farms to the south of that line
were surveyed in the same week and year, and the
side lines were made parallel to each other. Where
the river approached the lower surveys, now em-
braced in Marietta, its course turned suddenly and
ran in an easterly direction, which made the river
front an acute angle with these division lines. Thus
much in explanation of what seems to have been a
very awkwardly drawn plan of the town.
Additions.— On .Nov. 19, 1803, David Cook gave
Jiuhlic notice that he was the proprietor of a " tract
of land adjoining Mr. Anderson's plantation at An-
derson's Ferry, and that he had laid out a town, to
be named New Haven, containing one hundred and
one lots, which he intended to dispose of by lottery.
each ticket commauding a prize; the price of each
ticket to be fifty dollars, and the titles to the lut«
were to be in fee simple and free from ground rents."
'Phis plan extended to Lumber Alley, a few hun-
dred feet east of the " run" spoken of. This alley
was latd out at right angles with the river shore,
and extended north until it intersected the line of
James Anderson's laud, forming a triangle.
A few years later ^Ir. Cook laid out forty-eight
building-lots adjoining Ins first town jilan upon the
east side, which he called "New Haven Continued."
At the time this town was projected measures had
been taken to construct a turnpike leading from Ad-
derson's Ferry to Lancaster, for the river business
had increased wonderfully. Lots sold rapidly, and
we find in the first year (1805) the following lot-
holders: Shews Baugh, Adam Bahn, Bar4in English,
Martin Crider, John Coble, Henry Conn, John Long-
enecker, Lewis Leader, Jacob Bituer, Henry Sharer,
John Smith, Henry Witmer, John White.
The following is a listof taxables for the year 1807,
in addition to the other list, which indicates the rapid
growth of the place: Philip Giesey, Widow Hyland,
Alexander McCnllough, Christian Longeneckcr, Fred-
erick Heinselman, James Mehatfey, James Walton,
James Agnew, John Hess, William Hamilton, Reu-
ben Armstrong (colored), Thomas Clark.
Following is a list of taxables in New Haven for
the year 1812:
Widow uf Reuben A.m.stmiig
Joseph Keesey. '^
Siimnel Armstlung, curtor.
Lewis Leader, joiner.
James Agnew.
Daniel Longsderf, joiner. .,:'
Andrew Bivuks.
SamnelMcIunney,inn. ;,r
Peter Buiaud, cooper.
James Mehaffey, storekeeper.
Henry Clai 1;, cooper.
Marsh &McKain. ■-
George Clinsliue. SiJdlor.
Alexander McCnllough. ^■•
IleciryConu, inu.
David Mumma, inn. .J
Henry Cassel.
Charles Naglo, sUller. ^'.v
Jacob Berkley. '*'>
W.duw English.
Jacob Garst, tailor.
J.ihu Roberts, Inn. ■ 1 '
Alexander Huinbler, joiner.
Kiclniid Kolii^on, wheelwright 1 ,.
J..«epli Hopkins, uiusmi.
MathMuilUMk, lumber merchant.
William Hinklc, inn.
Widow li.iliton.
Will.am Hamilton.
Henry Shaier. ■•'I
On the 16th day of November, 1804, James Ander-
son announced that he had " aiijiropriated a tract of
land on the nortli side of the Su.squehauna River, at
Anderson's Ferry, for a new town to be called Water-
ford, and wished to dispose of the same by a lottery,"
He also announced that the drawing of the lottery,
was expected to commence in the month of February
or early in the month of March ; tickets at sixty
dollars each. And on the 14th day of June, 1805,
he gave public notice that the deeds were all exe-
cuted and ready for delivery. The water lots were
forty by one hundred and thirty-two feet, ami upper
lots fifty by two hundred and six feet. " The bank of
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
625
the river was to be kept open for the use of the town
Iota, clear of ground-rent."
Although Mr. Anderson started his town one year
later than Mr. Cook, from the start it grew mure raji-
idly, anil kept ahead of New Haven until the two
were consolidated.
The taxables in Waterford for the year 1807 were:
Jacob Bitncr. J'etel NHt-el,
Henry Danunee.
John McGlaughl
Oliver Cuchian.
Jacob Groili.
George Hayelop.
Jobli Lung.
Jol.n l.ever.
The taxables for th.
year 1812:
Frederick Khiie.
George Kueisley.
Blicliael Lauius.
J„bnUnrn8, joiner.
Jiinies Lowe, negro.
Peter Bowman, blorekeeper.
Frederick Long, tailor.
Jolin lildler, luukeeper.
John Law, joiner.
Mn Dealer.
Jacob Lndw ig, storekeeper.
B.muel Bailey, c*,rdwalDer.
Benjamin Long, nnllwrigh
JobnBryans, Joiner.
John Ludwig, innkeeper.
D.nlelBryaD8. joiner.
Julin Long, tailor.
Jol>D C. Creamer, storekeeper.
John Lever.
Ollfer Cochran, joiner.
James McUellaud, tailor.
Vllllam Cl.ilda, hatter.
Wjlliam McClure.Joiuer. .
Hiomai Clark.
Jainea Morria, tailor.
Oonnid Urlni, cordwalner.
Kandal UcClure, joiner.
Abraham Ci.asel.
John Miller, htoiekecper.
WUllarn Canieroji.
Jame« McGlnley.
Slm.onCbrlatine, Joiner.
H. Musser 4 Miller.
Stephen Ldwardn, joiner.
Jamea MehafTey, storekeeper.
ThonijB Kalkner, plasterer.
Frodoiick Nagle, bntcher.
John Fullwoiler, potter.
Jacob Nicholas, blai ksuiith.
Henry Klory.
Henry Nicholas.
Deary Foiinger, storekeepe
James Paltei sou.
Matthew Garner, cordwainer
Matthias Kilsht.
Thunia. Dickey, clockuiakor
Williaui Reckenbaugh.
Ju»h Grosli. lumber mer
cUant Jacob Hadfaug, gunsmith.
.nd .torijkeeper.
Hironemous Saylor, blacksmith
Jacob Giayblll, innkeeper.
George Snyder, innkeeper.
Btnry Grovo-
Hugh Spear.
Joliu Ghdken.
David Sands, millwright and lu
Hani.e- Hoffman.
bor merchant.
J.mes Uendenion, plaaterer.
Chri-sliau Sherick, joiner and ii
John lloyer, joiner.
keeper.
John Heart, cooper.
Ciiristiau Stewart, masou.
Widow Uiestanil.
Henry Smith.
James Humes. Pliilip Snider.
Jehu lleckrode, hatter. Francis Shupp.
Juiiin J. L... .,,, .[.■i.ier. Jacob Wullack.
>'<"•' l^'i". " II" ' John Wntaon.
Manli, lYii,ai^, I. „,],er and drug- Oliver VVataon.
(!l»t. C'umad Ziegler.
Michael Keller, blue-dyer.
A few of these lot-owners re.sided in the
hood. There were also a few " tenants" a
men" not in the above list.
In .Nuvcmher, 1H13, David Cook (who then resided
in Lancaster, with his son-in-law, Hugh Wilson) sold
eighteen acres and eight perches lor twenty-nine
thousand six hundred and fifty dollars, fronting on
the river, to John Myers, who laid it out into eighty-
leighbor-
d " free-
three building lots, and called it " J. Myers' Addi-
tion." This land extended from the eastern line of
" Cook's Addition to New Haven," and to the land
sold by Henry Cassel to Jacob Grosh.
When James Anderson laid out Waterford he did
not incliide the ferry-house and about twenty acres
of land adjoining the ferry. He afterwards sold liis
ferry right and the land adjoining to Henry Sharer,
Matthias Rank, James Mehati'ey, John Pedan, James
Dully, and Haines for one hundred and ten thou-
sand dollars. This purchase also included a bridge
charter. They laid this tract out into one hundred
and six building lots, and named it "Henry Sharer
& Co. 'a Addition."
"Irishtown," although not within the corporate
limits of the borough, is practically a part of Mari-
etta, and is so regarded generally. On the 2d day of
April, 1813, John Pedan, James Mehafl'ey, and James
Duffy purchased from Mrs. Frances Evans one hun-
dred and sixty-one acres of land adjoining the An-
derson farm on the west, and laid out the entire tract
into five hundred and sixty-two building lots. The
town plan was distinct and separate from Waterford,
and the streets did not connect in a straight line with
those of the latter place. In the centre of the plat
ground wiis reserved for a " market-house," and also
for public buildings. In their advertisement to the
public announcing that they had laid out a town
they designated the place as " Marietta."
When the charter of the borough of Marietta was
granted it did not include that part laid out by James
5[ehaffey and his associates. This was not an acci-
dental omission. The place was never incorporated,
and up to the present time the citizens have resolutely
resisted the extension of the borough line to include
their property.
Mr. Anderson laid out " High Street" along the
edge of a terrace, which is and probably will ever
remain the princij.)al street in the borough. Mr.
Cook called tlie street which is a continuation of
High, Second Street. In order to get level ground
for this street he was compelled to cut into the side
of the hill.
Benjamin Long purchased about thirty acres of
the Anderson farm, upon the top of the hill and down
its southern slope, which he laid out into two hun-
dred and eighty-two building lots, and called the same
" B. Long's Addition."
At the time these towns were laid out the river trade
had assumed large proportions, and the principal busi-
ness for many years was carried on along the river
shore. This fact probably was the principal reason
which induced Jlr. Anderson and Cook to take up
the entire river fVunt in their " plans," iiml in depth
only about one-fourth of the distance.
After procuring a ehurter for the erection of a
bridge over the river, Mr. Anderson expended sev-
dol
ding
road
hills
from the
ie bridge
i
GJG
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
was not built, and he
became greatly embarrassed.
Henry Liebhart, Jr., tobacconist.
Henry Quest, cabinet-maker. ■
Matthias Rank, lumber merchial )
John [loberts, innkeeper. J
Richard Robinson, wagon-nialtr, ,,
and removed to the bf
rough of York.
John Lenox.
Frederick Long, lumbermerchant.
Mr. Anderson and Mr.
Cook hiially agreed to pro-
Jacob Lndwig, storekeeper.
cure a charter from
the Legislature, which was
Lewis Leader, carpenter.
John Robinson, hatter.
granted, and the name
agreed upon by them was
John Lever.
J. Louck*, wagon-maker.
Benjamin Lon)-, innkeeper.
Jacob Ra.lfang, gunsmith.
Marietta. Tlie town w
ass
lid to be .so named jn honor
George W. Uoss, innkeeper.
of tlieir wives.
John Long, tailor.
Jacob It.direr, Esq., cashier <i
Taxables in 1814.-
-T
le year ISU, being one of
Jonas Miimma.
JiUiies McGinness, joiner.
bank.
Samuel Ross, schoolmaster.
great prosperity, I here\\
ith give a list of taxables
Samuel McKinney, innkeeper.
Steiibon St. John, storekeeper.
for tliat year, which, wlien compared with tlie otlier
John Myers, lumber merchant.
Owen Robinson (drowned in rivw).
lists, shows a large gai
a in two years:
David Hiimnia, merchant.
nirich Sharer.
William Magiidgc, carpenter.
Christian Sharer. :
jHUiea Anderson.
Stephen Edwards, carpenter.
James Mehaffey, lumber merchant.
Henry Stauffer, trader. ',
J.raes A6ne>v.
William Ehbel, conveyancer.
James MoCieary.
George Snyder, ferryman. J
Jolm Armeii, cooper.
Jacob Etter, innkeeper.
Jacob Mumma.
David Sandal, lumber merchant j:
Widow Aimstroug, colored.
Widow English.
James Morrison, tailor.
John Swolky, merchant. -j,
Ezekiel Allen, bUcksmith.
Dr. Samuel Fahnistock.
Henry Marsh, mason.
John Shank, coolier. 'S
David Abbotjoiner.
Thomas Faulkner, plasterer.
James McOellan, tailor.
Isiiac Stein, joiner. [,
John Ain.er, coope.-.
Frederick Funk, butcher.
Zachariah Moore, carpenter.
Jacob Sticis, nailer. ,|
George Ash, joiner.
John Fullweiler, distiller.
Henry McKlosky.
Christian Slierrick, innkeeper.
Christiiin Uucher, Jr.
Stephen Fetter, tailor.
Handel McClure, carpenter.
Christian Stewart, mason. )
Peter Bi.ssett, carpenter.
Samuel Flory, blacksmith.
Abraham McCnllough.
Henry Slierer & Co., ferry. . ■
Edward li^dl.Ciirpcnler.
William Foulk, carpenter.
Andrew Meliaffy, mason.
Hieionimous Sailor, blacksmiltl. ■
John Beats, brickmaker.
Henry Foringer, tailor.
John Miller.
JohnSprecher, cordwainer. '
William Bojd, weaver.
William Fishback, joiner.
William Maxwell, merchant.
George Shell, cordwainer. '-
John FonJersmith, barkeeper.
John Nagle, butcher.
Peter Sailor, blacksmith. ,
Peter Seese. ,'
Abraham Bi-llows, cooper.
James Flint.
Fred. Nagle, butcher.
James Bush.
Joseph Gettis, ferryman.
Jacob Nichulos, lumber merchant.
— - Sherrick, Carpenter. '
Henry Baker, tanner.
Jacob Grosh, E.q , Assemblyman.
Henry Nicholos, saddler.
Prelriuous Smith, doctor. ■ ''i
Kelor Boston, distiller.
Jacob Grejbill. magistrate.
Peter Nagle.
Henry Sultzbach, tanner. J
Leonard Shields, cordwainer. • ,f
John Bun, carpenter.
John Grider, lumber merchant
Robert Osborn, joiner.
Jlndrew BOBBS.
and stiller.
Benjamin Osborn, pilot.
Henry B. ScliafTiier, minister if i
David Bowman.
David Gaish, tailor. •
Samuel Ostler, tailor.
Reformed Church. 'j
Thomas Buchanan, merchant
John Grahnni, butcher.
Charles Odell, pilot.
John Frederick, millwright.
Henry Be.entz, tailor.
Matthew Garner, cordwainer.
Jacob Oberly, pilot.
James Towiisbii, schoolmaster. :]
John Brien, carpenlcr.
John Gerrurd, painter.
John Plum, whitesmith.
Abr.ihani Varley, copperemith. J
Samuel Bailey, cordwainer
and
John Gault, cooper.
John Peden, gentleman.
Oliver Watson. ■':
postmaster.
William Garrett, doctor.
Nicholas Peek.
John White. ;
John Uoggs.
Jacob Hippie.
John Plitt.
Archibald Warner, colored. •;
Henry Bai (ley, painter.
Hickiuto A narie.
James Park.
David Whitehill, storekeeper. , i<
George Weitzel, cedar-cooper. ;,
John Boiler, innkeeijer.
Bowman, innkeeper.
William Pierce, scrivener and prin-
Widow Brenneman.
Widow Hays.
ter.
Joseph Wise, cooper.
Henry Brenneman.
RluMler Hawkins, pilot.
John H. Brenui-man A Son.
J..hn Hi-.tand, cabinet-maker.
Siugl
e Men. '•
rrancis Boggs.
Willnun llinkle.
F.Ackworth, joiner.
Daniel Goodyard, joiner. ,i
Israel Cudwalader, innkeeper
James Hendeiaun, plasterer.
Walker Able, joiner.
John Oeilick, joiner.
William Childs, conveyancer.
Joseph Hopkins, mason.
Kobert Agnew, plasterer.
John H.ildy, blacksmith. *
John (Jromwell, ferryman.
William Hamilton.
Francis Bulge. -
Frederick ll.verling.cordwalti«r. '^
Heni7 Clark, cooper.
John Henry, carpenter.
Charles Bells, joiner.
Isaac llalborough, plasterer.
Samuel C.ito, coloied.
John Horn, carpenter.
Henry Best, joiner.
Henry lleckiote, hatter.
Henry Conn, inn.
John Ho) CI , carpenter.
William Curry, joiner.
Edward Hand, clerk in bank.
Major Oio.-iu[,rurp.liter.
Widow Ik-iiiselujan.
James Cannadey, joiner.
John lluss, printer.
David Cook, E^.l.
John Heart, cooper.
Adam Deeru, joiner.
J,, cob lloHcberger, distiller. '{
Abraham Cassel.
William Honsegle, innkeeper.
William Dicks.
Joseph Irvin, plasterer. «;
David Cassel, storekeeper.
Alexander Hiitzler, brewer.
William Davis, joiner.
JuseibJeiliies, brickmaker. . |
Simeon Christine, carpenter.
Alexander Hunimel, carpenter.
Eli Dil, joiner.
Isaiah J. Ilries, painter. j
Conrad Crimm, innkeeper.
John Hin. (
Samuel Druckamiller, tailor.
Jacob Johnson.
George Cliribtine, saddler.
J. Hnnohberger, sUller.
Michael Dugan, blacksmith.
Charles lielley. ',
Oliver Cochran, carpenter.
Jacob Hiestand.
Edward Danderaon, scrivener.
Henry Ludgen, nailer.
John 0. Cremor, merchant.
Christian Heishoy. -+^
J. Iliiyrock, carpenter.'
Henry DiBenderfer, merchant.
Patrick Logan.
John Charles.
John Eckeis, cooper.
Henry Liebhart. ' ?
John Cloud, boat-builder.
James Johnson.
John Evans, joiner.
.lohn UcCreeger. -■]
Henry Cassel, bank director.
Joaiph Jeffries, schoolmaster.
Henry Frue, joiner.
David Marlin, joiner.
George Cnmndus.
Samuel Houston, doctor.
Elisha Fiuiie, chaiiminker.
John McCnllough, nailef. j<
Willis Davis, carpenter.
John llnss.l.rinler.
John Fondersiiiilh.
Rai.del McClure, joiner. i
Charles Dougherty, ma»on.
John Hullinger.
Peter Funk, bntclier.
JohnOit " ,'
Samuel Dni.nen, nailer.
Cliiislian Koeaey, innkeeper.
J..hnGF..ider, lumber merchant.
William Pierce, scrivener and prin- ,
William liiimmore. Innkeepe
Joseph Keesey, gentleman.
Godlried Greid.r, lumber mer-
ter.
Morgan Davis.
Mai tin Kindig, druggist.
chant.
John Robinson, wagon-maker.
Thomas Dickey, clockmaker.
James Kain, nailer.
John Giaeff, bank cashier.
David Rinebart, joiner. j
Charles Dugan.
Pavid Kline, laborer.
James Grlfflii.
Solomon Deratler.
James Duffy, speculator.
Henry Dunn, constable.
Henry Kline, miller.
Michael L.ntz, joiner.
Henry Liebhart, merchant.
In this list there are the
penters, which indicates
names of thirty-eight ca>
that buildings were beiug |
1
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
C27
erected very rapidly. The list of taverns, store- I
keepers, merchants, and tradespeople was large also.
The first half of tlie second decade of this century
was one of speculation, succeeded by disaster in every
branch of business tliroughout the country.
The State Legislature was kei^t busy chartering
banks, turnpikes, bridges, and trading companies of
Tarious kinds.
This extraordinary stimulation of business ran
through the country like "wildfire." One of the out-
growths of this craze was the desire to lay out towns
and speculate in building lots. By reference to the
township histories may be seen a number of "lost
towns," besides many that have an existence which
they owe to this speculative era.
The extraordinary increase in the river business
started a number of towns aloiig the river a few years
before the war of 1812, and each became tlie rival of
the other and hoped to get the bulk of the business.
Columbia had the start of Marietta by eighteen years,
but the latter sprang into existence as if by magic,
and commenced to crowd the heels of their Quaker
neighbors, and for a few years rivaled the former in
population. The place grew too fast; a large class of
disreijutable persons followed tlie stream of specu-
lators who overflowed the place, and, like birds of
prey, lived ofl' the earnings of others. When the final
crash came but few were able to weather the storm.
The recovery of business prosperity was gradual but
assured.
Civil Organization.— The records of Marietta bor-
ough previous to Jto54 not being accessible, we can
give only such otticers' names as can be gleaned Irom
the " ordinance book," and only a partial list can thus
be given :
1830.-Cliief Burgess, Abrabum Zublio ; Towu Clerk, William McElroy.
1831 -Cliicf Burgcsa, John SiJiiiigler ; Town Clei k, Williuiii McKlroy.
l»m.-Cliief Bur^eas, Suniuel 11. Miller; Town Cleik, Suuinel S. Crush.
I8j;l,— CliitlEuiBuss, S;iniuel D. Miller; Town llcr k, Willium McElioj'.
)k34.-PieB.ilenl of Town Council, .iLrabam Wuilej; Town Clelk, A.
N. Cuasel.
18a6-3fi.-No record.
18.17.— Piraiileiit of Council, John J. Libbart ; Town Clerk, A. N. CasBcl.
IM9.-rie,iJentof Council, John J. l.ibbait; Town Cleik, I. Hubs
1840.— I'rcsident of Council, Jacob Stuhl; Town Clelk, William Cbilda.
Wl.-I'rehident of Council, John W. Goodman; Town Clelk, William
Cbilda.
I812.-Pre8ident of Council, Henry Sullzbach; Town Clerk, *i|liam
ChilJs.
W3— I'roaident of Council, John Kline; Town Clurk, William Clillda.
1866.— Chief Bnrgcfa, Nicholas Cbai.man ; Town Council, Samuel Ober-
iin, Henry S. Liblialt. .Jacob Songniaaler, Blicbacl Gable, Aaron H.
Snmniy ; Clerks, "» illiam Chaimian, John Kaylor.
IS.'U.— Unci liiiititf, (baibs Kcllj; To« n CoUhul, John W. Clark,
Jol* ,1. 1.^1 i..,'t > Li.M .... - ,, _.;,, I M i.i, I, M.i.:,^ . r.,Liumin
F.HIrM.i;, ,, ' . , ,1 ■,,,11,, , I : . ;• ::■],, ,.
Stense.
1858.— Chief Burgess, Samuel D. Miller; Town Council, TlicmaB Slense,
JobnCrull, BarrSpangler, EJ««rd 1'. Trainer, Aaron 11. Sun, my;
Clelks, Meltbor lleiline, Franklin K. Moaey. .
1859.-Cliief Burgess, Samuel D. Miller; Town Council, Barr Sliaugler,
Thomas Slense, John Ciull, Aaron H.Snmmy.E. P. Trainer; Clerks,
.William Chapman, Samuel Slense.
18C0.— Chief Burgess, Samuel U. Miller; Town Council, Barr Spangler,
John Crull, Thou.aa Slense, E. P. Trainer, Ueuiy S. Libbart ; Clerks,
Israel Goodman, Theodore Hiestiind.
1801 —Chief Buigess, Jomis Paik ; To« ii Council, Barr Spangler, H. S.
Libbart, John Fulks, Fl.d.i, i. M l,,,;j, .-.iimel Hippie, Sr.j
Clerks, James M.Al,der^oIi,,l : !
1862.— Chief Buigeaa, Henry S. I, : i , . ' i il, C. C. P. Grosh,
Fra.ikHipple.Jobn Kline, Al, Ml I- .,,.., r-aiiiuel C. HieBtand ;
Clerks, Abram Erisman, Tbeodoie HiestanJ.
1863.— Chief Bnrgesa, Samuel Hijiple; .Town Council, C. C. P. Grosh, S.
0. Hiesland, Alexander Lindsay, Franklin Hippie, John Kline;
Clerks, Theodore Hiesland, J. M. Anderson.
18U4.— Chief Bnrgess George W. Mehafly; Town Council, John J. Lib-
bart, Benjamin F. Hiesland, J. P. Waller, H. S. Libhart, Uirard
Koath; Cleiks, Abram AIbIcJ, Theodore Hiesland.
1805.- Cbiel I,.!..--, h II.,, Slense; Town Council, Barr Spangler,
H. I). l!i I ,. , ' - 1 Jl.ijling, J. J. Libharl, A. H. Summy;
Clerks, J 11 \' 1 lli.aland.
18GC.— Chief ll.,_i ., II ;, iMinse; Town Council, H. D. Benjamin,
G. A. Majlii.g, J. J. l.iihail, S. C. Hiesland, Burr Spangler; Clerks,
John L. Weaver, Jeffei-son Thompson.
1867.— Chief Burgess Thomiis Slense; Town Council, S. C. Hiesland,
George U. Goodman, Louis Honseal, F.Waller, Alexander Lindsay ;
CIciks, T. llicaland. James W. Fidler.
1808.- Chief Burgess. James B. Claik; Town Council, G. U. Goodman,
1 Frank llii.ple, John Barr, CbliBlianBucher, Samuel LindBay; Clerks,
I Phil. M, Kline, Melchorlierline.
1S69,— Chief Burgess, Thomas Slen.'-e ; Town Council, Jacob Songniasler,
Simon 11. Miitcli, P. M. Kline, A. Sunimy, Robert Carroll, Jr.;
Clerks, Jacob K. Wiiidolph, Lavid Matlis.
187u.— Chief Buii;e,s, Ceorge Sliriner; Town Council, David Both, J.
Songmaster, Uobert Carroll, Jr., Fiank Hippie, S. Mutch; Clerk,
Tbeophilna Hiesland.
1871.-fbief Buigess. George Shriner; Town Council, B. Spangler, A.
N. Cassill, Dr. H. S. Trout, S. Mutch, Frederick Walter; Cleik, Jacob
Windolph. —
1872 —Chief Burgess, Samuel Hippie, Sr.; Town Council, B. Spangler, S.
Hiestand, Jerome Hippie, David W. Coble, John Shillow, Lewis Lin-
'"dermulh; Clerk, M. M. Caracher.
1873.— Chief Burgess, J. M. Lamalere; Town Council, John Z. Linder-
mulh, Walui Fryl.iit-i r; Clerks, A. K. Ersman, M. Bl. Gilacher.
1874. — Clin I r.;i_i -, I -M I. iiizelere; Town Council, Jerome Hippie;
Town 11. 11 V ' ' ■ 1
1875. — Chi'! 1 I ^. liriner; Town Council, C. M. Bucher,
1815.-
.iJen
Council
Longeneck
Town CI.
John
IM8-41I.— Pi esident of Council, Henry Sullzbach ; Town Clerk, William
ISSO.-Preaident of Council, James Mehaffy, Jr. ; Town Clerk, Willbim
lMI.-l'r..9lJent of Council, Suninel Oberlin; Town Clerk, William
Cbil.la.
1862-63.-PreBident of Council, Ileiiiy Sullzbach ; Town Cleik, William
Chllds.
» 1854.— Chief Burgees, Jonatlnyr Lazerlier; Town Council, Benjamin F.
UlcBland, Thoinaa Zcll, Henry Sullzbach, Simon S. Nagle, John
Blibgon ; Clerks, William Cbilda, Jr., Israel Goodman.
rachi
187C— Chief |llllg.»
, Corge S
chriner; Town Comic
il,
A. N.
Cimsel,
David Dennisi.n
Clerk, J. 1
. Wil
dolph.
lS77.-Chief Burgees
Waller Fry
beige
r; Town Council,
Israel Go
j.lman,
Adam Bah n; To
vn Clerk, J
It. \
•indolph.
1878.-Chief Buigess
Walter Fry
be.g
r; Town Council
C
A. Set
affnor,
Onitus Hippie; Clerk, J. K.
,lpli.
1879.— Chief Burges
, Waller F
Jbel
eer; Town Coun
II,
A. N.
Cassil,
David Denuiaon
Town Cle
k.J.
t. Windolph.
1880.— Cbiel BuigeBS
H. S. Tioi
t, M.
>.; Town Connci
A
Bahi
Cbris-
toph.r Hauei , 1
own Chi k.
J.ll.
Windolph.
ISSl.-Cblel BuigeSB
11. S Tioi
t, M.
>, TownCouncI
,c
ristna
llpple,
John Shillow. 1
.wn Clelk,
J K.
Windolph.
1682-Clilel Bulges
, Kdwiud
Kiisi
g; Town Counc
11,
A.-N
CbbbII,
Franklin Hippie
; Ck-ik, J.
t W
idolph.
1883-Theofficeiafc
r the boioi
gll fo
r 1883 are: Cl.ie
B
irgesa
Girard
Kolb; A-sialan
Burgeas,
lei.ja
iiin Olimit; Co.
a
Inien,
Oristus
Hippie, John Sb
lllow, A. N
Ca»s
1, Frankliu Hip
do
Arth
r Ben-
HISTORY OF LAJ^CASTER COUNTY.
nett, and Jnc.b Songnia-stor; High CoiiBtuble, Alleu R. Ruby; Towi
Cleik, ThLc.|.hilusHie3lanJ.
JUSTICES OF TUE PEACK.
John Auxer, April 14, 1840.
C. C. P. Gro»h, April 12, 18(>4.
Josel.U T. Anderson, April 14, 1840.
E. D. Buath, W«y 8, I8C5.
Jos.|,li T. Aniler-on, April 15, 1845.
Jolin Auxer, Ai.ril, 18(;ii.
JoliliAuxtr, April 16, 1845.
l\ R. Mosey, April, 1SU7.
J. T. An.lerBon, April 9, 1850.
Kr.'derick L. Baker, April, 1809.
Emanuel D. Roiitll, April 11, 1854.
K. D. Roalli, April, 1870.
Juhu Auxer, Nov. 10, 185.5.
F. L. Baker, Apiil, 1874.
Kobert Dunn, April la, 1S68.
E. U. Rualli, April, 1S75.
E. D. Rualh, April 10, ISllU.
F. L. Taker, April, 1S79.
JoUn Auxer, April 10, ISGO.
E. D. Eoath, 1880.
Market-Houses. — The old market-house that once
stood in the public square was built at a date to which
the memory of man runneth not back. However, it
was one of those quaint old structures standing on
stilts that in after-years became an eye-sore to the
more sensitive and progressive citizens of the borough,
and in due time the old, unsightly thing was removed.
In 1874 a stock company was formed, a lot pur-
chased on Walnut Street, and the present neat and
commodious brick building erected at a cost of five
thousand five hundred dollars, and first occupied
in May, 1875. The stalls are rented to farmers and
truck-raisers in the vicinity of Marietta, and are
bountifully supplied twice each week with the best
of everything in the market line that the surround-
ing country affords. The officers of the company are :
President, B. F. Hiestand; Treasurer, John S'liangler;
Secretary, George F. Stibgen.
Town Halls. — For many years the upper part or
room of tlie old market-house was occupied as a
town hall. In 1847 the borough of Marietta pur-
chased the diamond-shaped lot between or at the in-
tersection of Walnut Street and Elbow Lane, and
erected thereon what is now the old town hall. The
two lower or first stories were built by the borough,
and the third story by tlie Sons of Temperance, who
at that time had a flourishing division in Marietta.
.The third story is now owned and occupied by the
Knights of Pythias, tlie second story by the borough
and Marietta Lyceum, and the lower story by the Ma-
rietta School Board. The new or Central Hall was
built in 1874, and is located on Second. The lower
story was built by the borough of Marietta, and is oc-
cupied by the post-olBce, E. D. Roath (justice's office),
the fire department, and the Town Council, each
having ample accommodations for each of their de-
partments. The second story was built by the Cen-
tral Hall Association, and contains one of the finest
halls in the county for all purposes for which it was
intended, being fitted up with a capacious stage and
stage properties. The third story was built by the
Odd- Fellows, and contains, besides their fine hall,
atiorher society hall, with all the necessary rooms for
lodge purposes. The building is of brick, and built
in the most substantial manner and heated through-
out by steam, and lighted by gas.
Financial.— Th'e First National Bank of Marietta
was organized and chartered in 18Gy, and opened fur
the transaction of business July 21st of that yeaf.
Its original number was twenty-five. The first direc-
tors and officers were elected April 28, 18lj3, as fol-
lows: Directors, John HoUinger, S. F. Eagle, John
Haldeman, John Musser, J. E. Kreybill, Aferani H.
Mussel liian, James Mehaffy, B. F. Hiestand, and
Barr Spangler; President, John Hollinger; Vice-
President, James Mehaffy ; Cashier, Amos Bownian.
The present substantial banking-house, located on
Market Street, which for comfort and convenience
in all its appointments is not surpassed by any in the
county, was built in the summer and fall of 1875, and
occupied in the spring of 1876. The old charter
having expired, the bank was rechartered May 27,
1882, as No. 2710, with a capital stock of one hundred
thousand dollars, and a surplus of one hundred thou-
sand dollars. The present directors are John Musser,
S. F. Eagle, Henry S. Musser, John Zeigler, Jolin
Corell, Paris Haldeman, H. L. Haldeman, John a
Garber, and Barr S|)angler; President, John Miijser;
Vice-President, P. llaldemaii ; Cashier, Amos How-
man.
The E.xchange Bank was established in 1874, by
several ^e^idents of Marietta and vicinity, and char-
tered by State authority in the same year, wiili a
capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. The first offi-
cers of the bank were B. F. Hiestand, president; J.
J. Gilbert, vice-president; Joseph Clarkson, ca.shier.
The banking-house is located on Second Street, a few
doors west from Central Hall. The presentofficers are:
President, B. F. Hiestand; Vice-President, Joseph
Miller; Cashier, Joseph L. Brandt.
Joseph L. Brandt is a descendant of one of the
earliest settlers in the county, tlie name of Adam
Brand being found among a number of Germans who
settled in the county previous to 1718.
His great-grandfather, John Brandt, resided in Lon-
donderry township, Lancaster Co., where he was born
about 1740, andjJied 1784. His children were Chris-
tian, born 1765; John, born 1767; Barbara, bornl769;
Samuel, born 1771 ; and Michael, born 1774.
His grandfather, John Brandt, was born Feb. 24,
1767, and indentured to George Root in 1784 to learn
the joiner and spinning-wheel maker trade, where tie
served an a|iprenticeship of three years and eight
months. He was married (1791) to Frena Bucher,
born 1772, died 1857, a sister to Anna Bucher, born
1769, the paternal grandmother of Bayard Taylor,
the noted traveler, author, and poet, of Chester
County, and removed to what has since been known
as the " old Brandt hoipestead," near Maytown. Hij
children were Varonica (born 1792), married to Janiea
McGinnis.and after his death to Samuel Bos!iler,who
died 1874; Anna (born 1793), miirricd to .Toseph
Clepper, and after his death to Jacob S. lluldeiiian,
who died 1880; Christian, born 1795, died 1870;
John (born 1797), married to Catharine Hossler, died
1854; Joseph (born 1800), married to Anna Nieslej
(widow), who died 184.3 ; Elizabeth (born 1803), mnr-
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
629
ried to John Hollinger, who died 1829. Mr. Brandt |
was a house-carpenter during the few years after liis j
marriage, and then became a farmer. He died Dec.
14, 1842.
His father, Christian Brandt, was born Sejjt. 12,
1795, and married (1827) to Elizabetli Long (born
1808), daugliter of Abraham Long, who resided near
Donegal Springs. He was a farmer, and resided on
the old Brandt homestead during his lifetime. He
was a member of the Mennouite Church, and an
exemplary Christian. His death occurred Jan. 7,
1870. His eight sons were Jacob, born Oct. 11,
1829, who died from accidental scalding at the age of
three years ; John, born Jan. 1, 1831, and married to
Mary Ann Hossler ; Abraham, born Aug. 19, 1833,
married to Anna Mary Creider ; Christian, born
April 19, 1836, married to Susan Rhoads; David,
born April 6, 1840, married to Maria Hess; Samuel,
born Oct. 16, 1841, married to Mary StauHer ; Solo-
mon, born Feb. 8, 1845 ; and Joseph, the subject of
this article, who was born May 21, 1847, about one
and a half miles northwest of Maytown, where his
father, brothers, and sisters were born and reared.
He worked on his father's farm and attended the
public school of the neighborhood until eighteen
years of age, when he began teaching school, and
continued in the profession until 1878. In 1867 he
attended a summer session at the Millersville Normal
School, and the following year graduated from Crit-
tenden's Commercial College, Philadelphia. In 1875
he received a teaclier's permanent State certificate.
In 1876 he was the chosen candidate of the Demo-
cratic party for the State Legislature, but the county
having been overwhelmingly Republican at that time,
he was defeated. The same year Mr. Brandt was
married to Miss Agnes May Nissley, oldest daughter
of Rev. Joseph Nissley, residing near Hummelstown,
Dauphin Co., and removed to Maytown. In 1878 he
was elected justice of the peace for his townsliip.
East Donegal, and fulfilled the duties of the office, in
Connection with surveying and conveyancing, until
the spring of 1880, when he was appointed cashier
of the Exchange Bank of Marietta, which position
he still holds.
Industries. — The present Marietta Hollow-Ware
and Enameling Company was organized ajid com-
menced business in 1876. Their works are located on
the nortli side of Pennsylvania Railroad, a short dis-
tance west from the railroad station, and cover one
aero of land, donated by Mr. James Dutfy, who also
subscribed ten thousand dollars towards the original
twenty-three thousand dollars stock of the company.
The present company secured by purcliase at a nom-
inal sum the ])lant, blocks, machinery, etc., of a former
company, who-ie buildings and property were de-
Btroyed by fire, and have also added new machinery,
tools, etc., to facilitate work- and lessen the cost of
production of this kind of goods. Seventy-live men
are employed annually by tliis company in the manu-
facture of their goods. The officers for 1883 were:
President, James Duffy ; Treasurer and Secretary,
George W. Mehatfy ; Manager, George F. Stibgen.
The Marietta Marble- Works were established on
Walnut Street in 1842 by M. Gable, who is still en-
gaged in supplying all kinds of marble-work for
Marietta and the surrounding country.
The Marietta Machine-Shop and Foundry was es-
tablished by George Roath, and.it is now owned by
Spangler & Rich, and operated by Samuel B. Gramm.
In 1807 or 1808, Henry Cassel, established the lum-
ber business on the site now occupied by his son, A.
N. Cassel, who, in 1848, became identified with the
business, and in 1872 built the planing-mill now
operated by him. About three acres of ground are
covered by the lumber and buildings of Mr. Cassel.
His transportation facilities are of the best, being
supplied by both canal and railroad. The business
oflice is adjoining his lumber-yard, corner of Bank
and Third Streets. This firm gives employment to
about fifteen men.
The saw-, planing-mills, and lumber-yard of B. F.
Hiestand & Sons was est.ablished in 1850 by B. F.
Hiestand. The mills are at Chikis, and the ma-
chinery driven by water-power, while the lumber-
yard and business office is at Bank and Second
Streets, Marietta. They also have canal and railroad
facilities equal to any other firm, and are connected
with Columbia, York, and Lancaster by telephone.
They employ about twenty men in their business.
In 1858 a steam saw-mill was built on the site now
occupied by the depot of the Pennsylvania Railroad
by G. W. Mebafty, James Duffy, and a Mr. Vande-
voort, and subsequently destroyed by fire and never
rebuilt.
Klumpp's tannery is located on Locust, between
Second Street and Prospect Alley, and was built as
early as 1815 or 1816, by P. Moyer, who conducted
the tanning business here for several years, when it
became the property of Kline & Wolf, who operated
it for many years, when it finally passed into the
ownershipof the present proprietor, John C. Klumpp,
who remodeled the tannery and applied steam-power
in the process of tanning, and is now able to turn out
nearly ten thousand sides of first-class leather per
The Sultzbach tannery is located on the corner of
Locust and Walnut Streets, and was built by Henry
Sultzbach, who was a native of Switzerland. Just
when it was built is not now known, but uo doubt as
early as 1812 or 1815. It subsequently passed into
the hands of his son John, thence to Henry Sultz-
bach, father of Henry L. Sultzbach, the present
owner," who took possession in 1870. Since his occu-
pancy he has added one story to the main building,
which is of brick, re-sunk the yard, and added steam
to the motive-power. The tannery has at present a
cai)acity of ten thousand sides of leather annually,
and employs six men in their manufacture.
^Jfe
630
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
The "Lancaster County Vaccine Farm" was es-
tablished in April, 1882. under the firm-name of
Alexander & Grove, consisting of Dr. H. M. Alex-
ander and David M. Grove. In October, 1882, Mr.
Grove withdrew, and Dr. H. M. Alexander became
sole proprietor. The buildings erected for this special
purpose are as well arranged and equipped as anj' in
the country. The stables are the only heated vaccine
stables in the United States. Shipments of virus in
large orders are made to all surrounding States, as
well as to Missouri, New Mexico, Texas, California,
Montana, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, and all New
England States. It was sent safely to Canada and
South America.
Schools. — Joseph Jeffries, an Irishman, was one of
the first teachers in the place. Prior to the time he
taught in Marietta he had been teaching at the log
school-house at Donegal Church, and he also taught
at Brenneman's, near Canoy. He did not stay long in
one place. The only scholars now living who went
to his school are Dr. Nathaniel Watson, John Paulis,
Hon. A. E. Roberts (now of Lancaster), Rev. A. B.
Grosh, Mrs. Ann Strickler.
William Pierce taught school for a few seasons, and
in its connection was also a scrivener. He gave up
teaching, and devoted his whole time to the publica-
tion of his newspaper and magazine. He came to
Marietta after the war of 1812, and remained there
several years.
Samuel Ross was the first person who taught school
in the hall over the market-house, about the year
1817. He was also chief burgess, and was a person of
some prominence.
James Townsen was contemporaneous with Ross,
but taught school only one or two winters.
William Ebbles came from Elizabethtown to Ma-
rietta in 1817. He opened a scrivener's office, and
also for a short time taught school.
William Hull taught school in 1820. There were
several other teachers during the first decade in the
history of the town, whose names are not now re-
membered; none of them, however, are worth par-
ticular mention. They belonged to that peripatetic
class of teachers who came around in the fall of the
year and remained three or four months, and then
took up their line of march for some other locality.
During that time no eflfort was made to establish a
classical or higher grade school ; that was left for a
future and more progressive generation.
A person named Stoner and a Yankee named
Whitman also taught in the Bell school house. Mr.
Geary taught school where Brisco was in 1820.
Mr. Stansbury was one of the first teachers in the
place. He remove'] to Columbia sixty years ago,
wlirro hi' opened a school, and taught there a number
of years.
John V. Smith taught school i.n 1822, and remained
for two years.
George Briscoe was one of the earliest teachers in
the borough. He taught school for a number of yeart'
in the one-story brick house east of the market-house,
adjoining Maj. Huss' printing-office. The last of his
scholars now living is the venerable ex-Judge JoliQ
J. Libhart.
William Riinkin belonged to the old school of
teachers. He was an Englishman, and was one of
the few classical scholars of his calling. He taught
at Maytown some years, and came from that place to
Marietta about the year 1822, and opened a school in
the large room above the market-house. He believed
in corporal punishment, and the writer can bear
witness to its practical operation. He is gone, but
not forgotten.
Aaron B. Grosh, son of Judge Jacob Grosh, was a
bright and talented young man who taught school a
few years in the Bell school-house, commencing
about the year 1822. A year or two later he and his
brother published a newspaper. He also became at-
tached to the Universalist Church, and at different
periods of his honorable career preached for that de-
nomination. Of the teachers born in Marietta he
was the most brilliant. He was equally distinguished
in the realm of letters. He is living in New York
State, aged eighty.
William Carter, a young man who had been study-,
ing law in the borough of York, came tA Marietta
about the year 1827, and taught school for several
years. He returned to York, and commenced to
gather material for a history of Y'ork County. He
and Mr. Glossbrenner published the history about
fifty years ago. It was about as large as the New
Testament.
Rev. Abel Charles Tliomas, the most accomplished
and gifted of all the early teachers, came to MariettA
about the year 1828, and taught school in the log
building east of the Cross-Keys tavern, on Second
Street. He was a Universalist preacher, and a fine
elocutionist and writer. His character was above re-
proach, and he died loved and respected by his friends
and neighbors. He moved to Philadelphia about
forty-eight years ago. He embraced Universalism
probably after he came to Marietta, and became a
preacher.
Rev. Thomas Marshall Boggs, the pastor of Done-
gal and Marietta Presbyterian Churches, was a trained
teacher of a number of years' experience. Both in
Marietta and Mount Joy he had a class of boys he
prepared for college. His brother, John Boggs, who
was a graduate of college, started an academy, and
taught the higher branches. The school went down
for want of patronage. Mr. Boggs was a most excel-
lent and competent teacher, and it was a subject of
regret among the citizens that his school was not a
success. He entered the ministry of the I'rcsbytcriau
Church.
\ Rev. Timothy Simiison, a graduate of Montpelier
College, Vt., came to Marietta in 1831, and took
charge of the school above the market-house, which
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
631
,.;; Mr. Rankin left in rather a demoralized condition.
i^» He taught there one or two years, when he moved
into a new two-story frame school-house built by the
late James Wilson, one square northeast from the
market-house. His school gradually increased, when
he commenced to teach the higher branches.
One other college student, named Graves, came
from a Vermont college to assist Mr. Simpson. He
had a Latin class, composed of eight or ten students,
whom lie prepared to enter college. The last two
years of his term the school assumed the dignity of
an academy. Mr. Simpson became a Presbyterian
minister, and was stationed at Harper's Ferry before
the war. He was the first teacher in Marietta who
introduced into the school at the close of each
session what was then called an exhibition. It was
a pleasing feature in the exercises, and the boys
looked forward with a good deal of trepidation lest
there might be some failure on their part. The boys
that were ambitious and sharp went through easily.
George M. Clawges came from Clermont, Delaware
State, where he h.ad been teaching, to Marietta in
1836, and took charge of Mr. Simpson's academy.
He became a zealous member of the Presbyterian
Church, and afterwards of the Methodist Church, in
which for twenty-five years he was a local preacher.
He had been a wild young man. He became an
ardent friend of the cause of total abstinence. He
has been a teacher for fifty years, forty-eight of which
was spent in this county in various towns and dis-
tricts.
G. Washington Baker established a school for ad-
vanced scholars in 1847. He first taught in the "St.
John's House," and from there he went to the Sus-
quehanna Institute, and had charge of that institu-
tion for a short time. He was an accomplished
scholar and a brilliant man, but somewhat erratic.
He studied law and was admitted to the bar in
Lancaster in 1847. He married a niece of President
Buchanan. He went to California some years ago.
Marietta Academy. — The academy started by Mr.
■ Baker formed the nucleus for another academy that
was destined to longer life and greater success. This
also started in the St. John's House, by a young man
who had been teaching in the lower end of the county,
who was a native of Chester County, and was edu-
cated in the Quaker schools of that couiity, 'which
have always and deservedly stood high in the com-
munity. He had but little experience as a teacher,
but it was soon demonstrated that he was fully
equipped in "each and every particular" to make his
school a great success. This young man's name was
James P. Wickersliam, so well known in school cir-
cles tlirofiphout the country. His success was phe-
(loiricMal from the start. He purchased the large
three-story brick building on the southwest corner of
Market Square, and also erected a two-story brick
academy building .adjoining it on the cast. His
academy soon filled'up, and many scholars came from
a distance. The late Maj. Pyfer, of Lancaster, and
Dr. Pugh, ex-member of Congress from New Jersey,
were some of his pupils.
T^he school, under his master management, flour-
ished while he had charge of it. He was called to a
larger <tnd wider field of usefulness, and was com-
pelled to give up the school he created and made a
grand success.
I need not follow him any further in this con-
nection.
High School.— After Mr. Wickersham left Mari-
etta, the citizens, despairing of securing the services
of a successful teacher, turned their attention to a
public high school, which was soon erected at the
rear end of the old Bell school-house. J. R. Sypher,
who had been one of Mr. Wickersham's scholars, and
a young man of unusual promise, was called to take
charge of the school. He was a successful teacher,
but ambition led him to seek a wider field, where
there was a better prospect of being advanced iu the
legal profession.
He was followed by Professor Isaac S. Geist, who
took charge of the high school in 1863. He filled the
chair of Natural Science at Millersville State Normal
School. From thence he took charge of a school in
Rohrerstown, and remained there five years. From
thence he removed to Magnolia, Putnam Co., III.,
where he took charge of an academy. From thence
he came to Marietta, as before stated, where he has
continued iu charge of the high school to the present
time.
The common schools of Marietta are excelled by
few in the State. The board of public school direc-
tors have wisely selected teachers who are best fitted
for their vocation, and not chosen from favoritism.
Much more might be said in commendation of her
schools, but space will not permit a more extended
notice.
A Female Seminary was established in the second
story of the school building erected by Mr. Wilson,
where Mr. Simpson and Mr. Clawges taught. It
lasted about two years, when it became a public
school.
Susquehanna Institute.— Judge John J. Libhart,
James Mehafl'ey, A. N. Cassel, and several other
public-spirited citizens organized a boarding-school
by issuing stock and raising a fund from that source.
In the year 1840 the large three-story brick building
at the eastern end of the town, built by the late
Henry Cassel, was fitted up and arranged for an
academy. «
Edward A. Seiker and a corps of able teachers were
selected. The school started fairly, and was quite
successful for some time. The stockholders sold
their interest to Mr. .Seiker, who reorganized the
academy and made an effort to establish it upon a
firm basis. Although an accomplished scholar, he
was no manager. He became involved financially,
and the academy was sold by the sherilf.
I ^i
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
Newspapers. — Few. towns in the State outside of
the cities liave been more prolific in the publication
of newspapers than Marietta. In the month of No-
vember, 1813, John Huss, who had just graduated
from the Journal oflice in Lancaster, then under the
management of William Hamilton, came to Marietta
and established a newspaper called The Pilot, which
he printed in the long one-story brick house on the
south side of High Street, just below the market-
house. In September, 1814, he closed his printing-
oflBce and marched to Mancus Hook as lieutenant of
Capt. Grosh's company of volunteers, and when Capt.
Grosh went to Harrisburg to take his seat as a legis-
lator, Lieut. Huss took command of the company.
William Pierce purchased or took charge of the
Pilot office and published a newspaper called the
Village Chronicle. In 1816 this publication ceased,
and he then commenced the publication of a monthly
called the Ladles^ Visitor, which was continued about
two years, when he again embarked in the newspaper
business and established the Pioneer in the fall of
1826, which he named after a steamboat of that name
which worked its way up the river from the bay. In
1827 he sold the paper to Charles Nagle, who in the
year 1828 sold it to A. Bayard Grosh and his brother,
Rufus K. Grosh, who conducted the paper with great
ability. Under their management it became a politi-
cal paper, and supported the " Adams" party. In the
year 1829 they sold the paper and presses to Sheaff &
Heinitsh, who had just started the Courant in Co-
lumbia, who served subscribers of both papers.
The Marietta Advocate was started by William R.
McKay. Dr. WoodhuU, who was an accomplished
speaker and writer, took charge of the editorial de-
partment. He came from New Jersey, and returned
there in the fall of 1833. The paper lived until the
following spring, when it was taken to Lewistown, Pa.
The Ant was started in 1840 by Thomas Taylor,
and was followed in 1841 by the Orb, published by
Israel Goodman. In 1842, Taylor & Goodman started
the Washinglonian, a temperance paper. In the year
1844 the Week/tj Argus was started bv Israel Good-
man and Frederick L. Baker as a Whig paper.
The Little Missionary, published by ,Iohn F. Wei-
schanipel, was contemporaneous with the Argus.
The Mariettian was established on the 11th day of
April, 1854, by a joint-stock company, with 'the view
of advancing the material interests of the borough.
It was neutral in politics. It was published by Israel
Goodman ; James P. Wickershara, late superintend-
ent of the schools of the State, then piincipal of the
Marietta Academy; John Jay Libhart, one of the
associate judges of the County Court; Abraham N.
Cassel, formerly a member of the Legislature of the
State and a [iromincnt business man; and Samuel
Patterson, a prominent business man; and in 1856,
Dr. William K. Mehaffey became sole editor, and
Frederick L. Baker publishe'r. In 1860, Mr. Baker
purchased the outstanding stock and became sole
proprietor, and he published it as an Independent
Republican journal. Its name was changed to Mart'
etta Register. In 1874 he sold the paper to Joseph L,
Wolfensberger, who was one of the publishers of t
Columbia Spy. In 1875 he sold the paper to Percy
Shrock and Linville Hendrickson, and in 1880 t
latter sold to Mr. Schrock, who is now the sole editor
and owner.
The Marietta Times was established Nov. 25,
by George Gilbert Cameron, by whom it is still pub«J
lished. It was originally a four-page, seven-column
paper, twenty-four by thirty-six inches. April 1,-^
1883, the i)aper was enlarged to nine columns, and'
size of sheet twenty-eight by forty-two inches. >
Marietta Lyceum.'— During the winter of 1836
-37, Josiah Holbrook made a scientific missionary'
tour through parts of Lancaster County, lecturing oo
the natural sciences, and stimulating the establish-
ment of lyceums and the formation of libraries, and
the collection of natural objects. Among other places,
he sojourned fur a short season at Marietta, Pa., which j
resulted in the organization of the Marietta Lyceum
of Natural Sciences. This association continued for
some years, its places of meeting being the old Bell
school-house and the Mennonite meeting-house, on j
Walnut Street, and occasionally the Bazaar Cotillion
Hall. It held lectures and discu-ssions on scientifio
and other subjects, procured a set of philosophical
implements, and made a respectable collection of
books, minerals, etc. Mr. E. Code, Professor HaUif
deman. Judge Libhart, A. N. Cassel, Esq., and othen,
delivered lectures before it. Although it stimulated \
the pursuit of the natural sciences in a few, yet th«,'
general interest in it soon waned, and after an active
existence of three or four years it was dissolved, the,
individual property in it withdrawn, and the re-
mainder either divided or specially deposited else-
where. It never revived, and therefore became ex-
tinct. Its inrtuence, however, so far as it pervaded
the minds of its members, never died, and perhaps
never will.
The Libhart-Marietta Museum.'— John Jay Lib-
hart was an artist by profession, a man of marked
scientific attainments and more than ordinary me-
chanical skill ; and, even before the organization of
the Lyceum, had commenced a collection of object!
of vertu. His specialty in natural science was ornt
thology, and soon alter the dissolution of the Lyceum
much of the available space in his house was devoted
to prepared specimens of birds, mammals, reptiles,
fishes, shells, fossils, minerals, etc. These, with the
addition of works of art, soon culminated in a
seum ; and, about 1840, he effected a lease on the large
upper room of the market-house, which at that period,
and for a long time previous, had occupied a part of
the Centre Square of Marietta, and the Libhart Mu-
suem accordingly went into active operation.
By S. S. Ilathvon.
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
■0 I
I that
i DUSI
This museum was very artistically arranged in
portable cases, aud for a period of ten years was the
wly museum open to the public in the county of
lancaster. The market building had beeu erected
Airing the "speculation fever," soon after the incor-
poration of the borough, about 1815, but never had
Wen a very firm structure, and about 18(30 it was de-
dared insecure, and under a decree of the Town
Council it was torn down and a market-house built
Walnut Street. No other room in the borough at
period being available for the reception of the
Buseiiiii, it became disintegrated, if not obliterated,
hit perhaps not entirely extinct, except as a whole.
Many of the mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, and
■inerals were donated specially to the Lancaster
Athenieum, and subsequently transferred to the Lin-
Dcaii Society. Another portion was transferred to
the upper rooms of the old town hall, on Walnut
Street, and others (drawer specimens) the proprietor
retained in his own possession. But, as a living, ac-
tive, public institution, it has been as thoroughly
atinguishcd as has been the building that once con-
tained it.
The Pioneer Fire Company of Marietta' was
lucurpnrated by the Legislature May lil, 1840, the
Incorporators being Janics Wilson, Samuel M. Yost,
Jacob Stibgen, Robert Ramsey, John Bell, John
Huston, William A.Spangler, Henry Charles, James
T.Anderson, Samuel Algier, David Rinehart, John
Park, Samuel Oberlin, John B. Maloney, Simon S.
Nagle, John J. Libhart, Samuel D. Miller, Joseph
Inhoff, and A. N. Cassel, of whom Simon S. Nagle,
lion. John J. Libhart, Joseph Inhoff, and Hon. A. N.
Cassel are living. The first meeting of the company
was held at the public-house of John Barr on Tues-
day evening, Jan. 19, 1841. John Jay Libhart pre-
lided ; A. N. Cassel was chosen secretary. The act of
incorporation was read. A. N. Cassel, Henry Charles,
John Huston, J.T. Anderson, and John Jay Libhart
were selected a committee to draft by-laws for the
company. Adjourned to meet Saturday evening, 23d,
»t same place. The second meeting: The company
met agreeably to adjournment Saturday evening, Jan.
23, 1841. The committee on by-laws made their re-
pfirt, which was unanimously adopted. The company
was then organized by the election of the following
officers: John Jay Libhart, president; J.T. Aniier-
Bon, vice-president ; David Rinehart, treasurer; A.N.
Cussel, secretary ; Robert Ramsey, messenger; John
Park, John B. Maloney, Henry Charles, Simon S.
Nagle, and William Spangler, directors. The subse-
quent officers have been as follows :
1MJ— John J. LH.lmrt, prpnlOent ; .1. T. Amleraoii, i
IMJ-J.l.i, J. Lilli;Jl.|i.isi. I, J.T An.leraoii,
1M4.— Joliu J. Libliiirt, pieai.liMit; J. T. .^iidorBon,
Cassi-l, Becietary ; Duvid Kiueliuit, trt-ftaiirer.
1 By George H. Ettla.
1845.— William A. Spangler, president; Jolm Park, vice-presfdent ; A.N.
Cassel, secretary ; David Rinehart, treasurer.
1846.— Samuel D. Miller, president ; J. T. Anderson, vice-president ; Wil-
liam Child, Jr., seur.-t.uv; David Rintliart, treasurer.
lS47.-RokertA.Ranisey,i . -: ! i i; ! 'I .\iidersou, vice-president; Wil-
y, vice-president; William
lagle, vice-president ; Wil-
vice-president; William
184S.— .I.T. Am(jrson,p.. .
Child, Jr, secretary: !':■: ; 1: . '
1S49.— William A. Spaiigl.r, |iimuKii1;
Ham Child, Jr., secretary ; J. T, An
18511.— S. S. Nagle, presidejit; 8. D. J
Child, Jr., secretary; J. T. Anderson, treasurer.
1851.— S. D Miller, president; J. J. Lihhart, vice-president; William
Child, Jr., secretary; J. T. Andei-son, treasurer.
1852.— James Mehnffcy, president; Aaron Gable, vice-president; Wil-
liam Child, Jr., secretary; J. T. Anderson, treasurer.
1853.— John J. Libhart, president: Isaac Reisiager, vice-president; Wil-
liam Child, Jr., secretary ; J. T. Anderson, treasurer.
1854.— John J. Libhart, pLisideiit; I^.iac Reisin-er, vice-president;
William Child, Jr., s. : ■■ . ■ .Mi . , . :, r,.,,, i, neasurer.
1S56.— Jolm J. Libharl. I ill; _ : .-president ; Wil-
liam Child, Jr., s,a; : ; ,- ,1 -urer.
1856.— John J. Lilihaii. l -i.'n', I '■ Ui-iii^'i, vice-president;
William Child, Jr., seci etary , Abraham Cassel, treasurer.
1857.— Charles Kelly, president ; Samuel D. Miller, vice-president ; Wil-
liam Child, Jr , secretary ; Abraham Cassel, treiisurer.
1858.— Jacob ? •i.nn^t r ]r si lent; John J. LU.hart, vice-president ;
WilliuN 111! ~ : ! i: \ ; Abraham Cassel, treasurer.
1859.— John I I >' ,: nt. Jacob Sungmuster, vice-president;
William 1 1 11 ., I: . . 1 1 V , Abraham Cassel, treasurer.
I860.— J. M. Lar/LlHi,., pi,-idrnt; John J. Libhart, vice-president;
William Child, Jr., secrelary ; Abraham Cassel, treasurer.
18f)l. — John J. Libhart, president ; Jacob Songraaster, vice-president ;
William Child, Jr., secretary ; Abraham Cassel, treasurer.
1862. — John J. Lib'iart, president ; Jacob Songmaster, vice-president:
John Folks, secretary ; Abraham Caasel, treasurer.
1803.- John J. Libhart, president; Jacob Songmaster, vice-president;
J. 51. Larzelere, secretary ; Abraham Cassel, treasurer.
1864.— John J. Libharl. president ; Jacob Songmaster, vice-president ;
J. JI. Larzelere, secretary ; Abraham Cassel, treasurer.
1865. — Jacob Soii^masbT, pre^idi-nt ; Walker Fryberger, vice-president;
186U.-Jaiol. - ,. ,
» l..r"Fryb6rger, vice-president;
J.M.Lai,
\ ^.,^sel, treasurer.
1867.— Jacol s
ill,, l; ,1.1 rl Carroll, Jr., vice-president;
M. M. <,i , ,-
: ... .\l.r,.baiu Cassel, treasurer.
16C8.-Jaiul. - . .1,. :
, , 1 ;< lit ; Frederick Waller, vice.presldent;
M. M ''.Li •,
; , .Miraham Cassel, treasurer.
1869.— Jacob =..i,„i.i,i=l.
, pi.-il-nt; William B. Allwlne, vlce-presl-
dent; M. M. Carrac
ler, secretary; Hubert Carroll, Sr., treasurer.
1870.— Jacob Songmaste
M. Carrachei-, secre
ary ; Ibdicrt Carroll, Jr., treasurer.
1871. -Jacob S ii.ii-i,--
r |,i,. ,|, i,r, 11 !iry Mosey, vice-president ; M.
M. C.in 1. , .
,1 , l: ,■ - , 11, Jr., treasurer.
1872.-Jacnl -111'
, , , : 1 |,1, Windolph, vice-president;
M. M (■„:,,. i.i.
.1,1), w 1.1,1 liyberger, treasurer.
187;i.-G. 11. Ellla, i.r,
i.leiit i Joseph Windolph, Joseph A. Wolfoa-
herger, vice-presidi
its; M. M. Carracher, secretary; George F.
Slibgen, Ircasmer.
1874.-George H. Eltia,
president ; J. I. McConnell, George W. Uilde-
braTidt, vice-preside
its ; M. M. Carracher, secretary ; George F.
II. Ettla, president; Robert Carroll, Jr., Frederick Wal-
iresiileuts; Amos Grove, secretary; George F. Stibgen,
1876.— George H. Ettla, president; George W. Hildebrandt, Robert Ca
roll, Jr., vice-presidents; -imos Grove, secretary; George F. Sti
7.— George H. Etila,
roll, Jr., ,vice-piesiil
1878.— George H. EUla,
1879.— George H. Eltla,
Geurke W. Hildebrandt, Robert Car-
is Grove, secrelary ; c,.,orj;e F. Stib-
George F. Stibge
634
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
).— George H. Ettia, pn-sidont; Ge
vice-presidents; Amos Grove, aecre
1881.— George H. EttIa, president; George F. SliUge
vice-preaideDts ; Amos Grove, secretary ; George '
-George H. Eltla, president; Adam AViaeman, James W, Kelly,
ice-presidents; AnioB Grove, secretary; George W. Reich, treas-
1883. — George H. Ettla, preside:
Jacob Songraaster, Andrew W
ove, secretary; George W. Eeic
In 1872 the borough authorities placed a third-
clasa Silsby steam fire-engine in charge of the com-
pany. The chief engineers were Henry W. Wolf
and Samuel L. Emswiller. The company has always
been a beneficial one, having dispensed for relief to
its members nearly eight thousand dollars. Present
membership, seventy-three.
Donegal Lodge, No. 129, I. 0. of 0. F.,' was in-
stituted Dec. 2:j, a.d. 1845, by George Morris, of York,
officiating as Grand Master (in St. John Build-
ing), assisted by John F. Houston, D. G. M. ; P. G.
Kilgore, G. W."; George C. Franciscus, G. C. ; E. J.
Sneeder, G. Sec; ; S. D. Young, G. Treas. ; M. Neal,
G. G.
The charter members were S. S. Rathvon, John
Dougherty, F. K. Curran, W. L. Carter, John Car-
roll, and Frank Plury. The first oflicers elected
and installed were as follows: S. S. Rathvon*, N. G. ;
John Dougherty, V. G. ; F. K. Curran, Sec. ; William
L. Carter, Asst. Sec. ; John Carroll, Treas. The
lodge continued to meet and prosper in same building
until 1874. In the year 1873 its new hull and pres-
ent place of meeting was built, having joined with
the Borough Council and Central Hall Association
in erecting a large hall, ninety-five feet long by forty-
five feet wide, and three stories high, the Odd-Fellows
of Donegal Lodge, No. 129, putting on the third story,
which was completed and furnished in July, 1874,
when the lodge, by consent of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania, moved into the new hall, and on the
11th day of August, 1874, the same was dedicated
with imposing ceremony by Isaac A. Sheppard, G. M. ;
Dr. John Levergood, D. G. M. ; Past Grand George
Borie, G. W. ; and Past Grand Sire James B. Nichol-
son, G. Sec, with other prominent and distinguished
Odd-Fellows assisting. The day will be long remem-
bered in the annals of this lodge.
The lodge-room is excelled by few lodges for neat-
ness and comfort. The frescoing and furnishing of
the room all blend in harmony with each other. The
size of room is fifty-four feet long and thirty-seven
feet wide, and height of story fifteen feet, with mould-
ings, with two pleasant ante-rooms and one parapher-
nalia-room, and lighted with gas.
The present number of members is eighty-five. The
present officers are Wilford M. Tiusley, N. G. ; Dr.
George W. Worral, V. G. ; John Naylor, Sec. ; Harry
> By E. D. Uoatb, Esq.
L. Villee, Asst. Sec. ; Oristus A. Hippie, Treas. TL«'
lodge is in a fiourishing condition, and meets weekly
on Tuesday evenings. It also owns a fine lodge-room
on sgme story adjoining, with suitable anterooms, for
renting purposes, etc.
Marietta Encampment, No. 76, I. 0. of O.F„'of
Marietta borough, u-as instituted May 11, A.D. 1848,
by District Dejiuty Grand Patriarch Claiborne ofBcl*
ating as Grand Chief Patriarch, assisted by Thoino 'I
Tyrrel, G. H. P. ; J. C. Phaler, G. S. W. ; J. M. La^
zelerc, G. J. W.; J. McGlachlin. G. Scribe; J. Stre.
big, G. Sent., as Grand Encampment officers.
Charter members, viz.: S. S. Rathvon, John Ca>
roll, J. M. Larzelere, Jacob Gilinan, N. JIaloney, A,
Leader, A. Heiser, Samuel G. Miller. The first officer*
elected and installed were as follows: S. S. Rath-
von, C. P.; John Carroll, H. P.; J. M. Larzelere, 8.
W. ; Jacob Oilman, J. W. ; Nelson Maloney, Scrib«;
Andrew Leader, Treas.
The encampment meets semi-monthly, on the firet
and third Thursdays of every month, in Odd-FelloAi*
Hall (Central Hall Building). Its present officers are
George W. Bucher, C. P. ; Oristus A. Hippie, H.P.j
Samuel L. Dellinger, S. W. ; Isaac B. Kauft'inan, J,
W. ; John Naylor, Scribe; E. D. Roath, Treas. The
present membership is twenty-five (many have with'
drawn and moved to other parts, which greatly re-
duced the number). Though the membership ii
small, the encampment is in a healthy conditioo
fiuitncially.
Ashara Lodge, No. 398, A. Y. M.— The warrant
for this lodge w;is granted Sept. 5, 1867, A.L. 58G7,
and the lodge duly instituted Nov. 22, 1867, A L.
5867, with the following-named charter members;
Past Master Robert C. Russel, Henry Landis, David
Roth, Past Master William H. E.igle, George H.
Eltla,- Frederick Baker, John R. Ditlenbach.
The first officers were Rev. Robert C. Russell, W.
M. ; Dr. Henry Landis, S. W. ; David Roth, J. W.;
William H. Ea^e, Treas.; George H. Ettla, Sec;
Rev. Thomas Montgomery, Chap. ; John W. Rich, S,
D. ; Christian Hanlen, J. D. ; Fred. L. Baker, S. M. C;
Israel Hanlen, Tyler.
The successive presiding officers were Robert 0,
Russell, 1868; Henry Landis, 1869; Harry C. Eagle,
1870; E. D. Roath, 1871-72; Christian Hanlen, 1873;
John Strickler, 1874; J. Verner Long, 1875; George
H. Ettla, 1876; William Jones Bridells, 1877; Artliur
Bennett, 1878; George F. Stibgen, 1879; John L.
Jacobs, Joseph Fisher, 1880; Calvin A. Schallner,
1881; Jacob R. Windolph, 1882.
The present ofiicers are: W. M., Jacob Rathvoa
Windolph; S. W., James W. H. Johnson; J. W,
Frank J. Mack; Treas., John Walter Rich; Sec , 1
Shiter Geist; S. D., Edmund Horn; J. D., Viclur M,
Haldeman; S. M. C, George Rudisill; J. M. C,
Adam Balin ; Pur., Abram Ferey ; Chap., Past Master
' By E.
1, Esq.
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
i D. Roath; Tyler, John Naylor. The time of
■eeting is Monday evening, on or before full moon
♦(every month, in OJd-Fellows' Hall. It has sixty-
fcur members. .
Waterford Council, No. 72, 0. U. A. M.,' was in-
Ititutcd and organized I)ec. 16, lSii7, by J. Kaylor
Snyder, Deputy State Councillor, assisted by Ex-C.
Jacob Weitzel and Ex.-C. Edward Rusing. The
larter members were E. D. Roath, E. Rusing, Henry
Ocliard, Amos Grove, George Rudisill, John W. Pe-
ters, John Cohick, Henry Pickel, Henry Reichard,
8»muel Scantling, Jacob Bowers, Isaac Snyder, John
Montgomery, H. S. Book, George H. Hippie, A. Ems-
wilier, Samuel Thuma, and otliers. The 6rst officers
elected and installed were Ex-State C. E. D. Roath,
C. ; John Peck, V. C. ; Amos Grove, Rec. Sec. ; Henry
8. Book, Asst. Rec. Sec. ; George Rudisill, Fin. Sec. ;
Henry Ockard, Treas. ; Simon H. Mutch, I.; John
W. Peters, Ex. ; Samuel R. Hippie, I. P. ; John Bur-
ger, 0. P. ; Trustees, Edward Rusing, John Cohick,
Simon H. Mutch.
Tliu membership is forty-five. Meetings are held
weekly, on Monday evening, in Mechanics' Hall,
ibove Mills & Co.'s hardware-store. The present
officers are Frederick Robinson, C. ; Alexander Sar-
pn, V. C. ; Amos Grove, Rec. Sec. ; Frank Thomp-
mn, Jr., Asst. Rec. Sec; David Mattis, Fin. Sec;
Henry Ockard, Treas.; Samuel Boughter, I.;' W. S.
Bitnmons, Ex.; John Rial, I. P.; Thomas Martin,
0. P.; Trustees, Thomas Marlin, Edward Rusing,
George Rudisill.
All the charter members had belonged to the order
before organizing this council. Although the mem-
bership is small, the council is in a prosperous finan-
cial condition.
Donegal Lodge, No. 108, K. of P.— The order
of Knights of Pythias was instituted at Marietta,
Pa., under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania, dated Sept. 12, 18GS. The first meet-
ing of the order was held in Temperance Hall,
Saturday, Sept. 12, 1868, when the following-named
became members of the order: George H. Ettia,
David Roth, Jacob So'ngmaster, Henry M. Mosey,
Samuel L. Dellinger, F. E. Krouse, Albert Ropp,
Peter Gottschall, Isaac B. Kaullhian, John Spangler,
Jacob A. Wisner, Samuel Gladfelter, II. S. KauH-
man, George W. Bucher, Clene Miller, Philip M.
Kline, Gotleib Mayer, and I. Hostetter. The fol-
lowing-named elected officers were duly installed :
George H. Ettla, W. C. ; David Roth, V. C. ; Jacob
SoDginaster, V. P. ; Henry M. Mosey, Rec. Scribe ;
Samuel L. Dellinger, W. B. ; Frederick E, Krouse,
Fin. Scribe; Albert Ropp, W. G. ; Peter Gottschall,
I.S.; Isaac B. KauOrman, O. S.
The subsequent officers have been as follows:
c. c p.
1 Uotli, W. C. ; .\llii.rt Roiip, '
, U. S. ; S. L. D.lliiign
E. D. Hoath, Esq.
1870.— P. Gottschall, W. C. ; Jeff Thompson, V, C; A. Bopp, V. P.; S.
E. Wisner, R. S.; S. L. Dillii.ser, Banker; David Roth, F. S. ; Jeff
Thompson, W. C. ; John B. Taylor, V. C.
1871— John B. Taylor, W.C; John R^iff, V. C. ; Jeff Thompson, V. P. ;
Gejirge H. Ettla, R S. ; S. L. Dellinger, Banker; Frank Thompson,
F. S ; n. M. Mosey, W, O.; Isiael Ilanlen, V. C.
1872,— Israelllanlen, W, C. ; William ReiJ, V. C ; H. M, Mosey, V. P,;
William H, Buller, R. S. ; S. L, Dellinger, Banker; Frank Thomp-
1872.— William Reid, W, C, ; Aaron Sonrhier, V, C,
1873,— A. Sourhi.-r, W, C. ; William SIranss, V, C, ; William Reid, V, P, ;
Amos Grove, R, S, ; S. L. Bellinger, Banker ; David Matlis, F, S,
July 1, 1873, the titles of officers wero changed. William Strauss, C, C, ;
D, H, Mellinsei', V. C.
1874 —D. H. Mellinger, C, C. ; Joseph G, Heinaman, V, C. ; George
Sillier, Prelate; E. J, Wisner, K. R. and S. ; S. L. Dellinger,
M, Exc; D. MaUis, M. F. ; George Miller, C. C; J, G. Heinaman,
V, C; Joseph G, Heinaman, Prelate; J. B, Kauffman, K. B.
andS
187S.— J. G, Heinaman, C, C; Samnal Reinhold, V. 0.; Araos Grove,
Prelate; J. B Kauffman, K. R. and S. ; S. L. Dellinger, M. Ejtc. ;
David Maltia, M. F. ; A. Grove, C. C, ; F, E. Krouse, V. C; George
Conncilman, Prelate; George G, Lindsay, K. R, and S,
1876.— F, E, Krouse, C. C ; George Miller, V, C.; l3R.ac Metzler, Pre-
late; George G. Lindsay, K. R, and S, ; S. L, Dellinger, M. Exc, ;
D. Matlis, M. F,; A. Ropp, C, C. ; J. Metzler, V. C, ; S. Keinhold,
Prelate.
1877— J. Metzler, C, C; H. M, Mosey, V. C. ; Andrew Williams. Pre-
late ; G. G, Lindsay, K. B. and S. ; S. L, Dellinger, M. Exc. ; David
Mattis, M. F, ; Samuel Reinhold, C, C. ; A, Williams, V. C; George
Miller, Prelate.
1878.— A. Williams, 0. C, ; D. H. Mellinger, V. C; Absalom Light, Pre-
l.ite; H. M. Mosey. K. B. and S. ; S. L. Dellinger, M. Exc; David
Mattis, M. F.; D, H. Mellinger, C. C. ; Absalom Light, V. C; J. J.
McNicholl, Prelate.
1879.— Misalom Light, C.C; A. Bopp, V. C. ; E.J, Wisner, Prelate; H.
M. Mosey, K. B. and S. ; S. L. Dellinger, M. Exc. ; D. Mattis, M. F, ;
A. Bopp, C. C; A,Sourbier, V, C, ; George Miller, Prelate,
1880,— George H. Etlla, C. C. ; George Miller, V, C, ; Christ. Wanzel,
Prelate; H. M. Jtosey, K. B. and S.; S L. Dellinger, M. Exc. ; D.
Mattis, M. F, ; George Miller, C. C; C. Wanzel, V. C; Howard
Eriaman, Prelate.
1881— Christ. Wauzrl, C. C. ; Howard Eriaman, T. C; Peter Baura, Pre-
late; D. It. Mellinger, K. R and S. ; S. L. Dellinger, M, Exc; D.
Mattis, M, v.: Howard Erisman, C. C; P. Bauin, V. C; A, Ropp,
Prelate.
1882— Peter Baum, 0. C, ; A. Light, V. C. ; George Remick, Prelate ; D.
H. Mellinger, K. fi*and S.; S. L. Dellinger, M. Exc; A, Sonrbier,
M.F. ; A. Light, C. C; George Remick, V. C; Ellwood P. Bucher,
Prelate.
1883,— George Remick, C. C. ; E, P, Bucher, V. C.; D. Matlis, Prelate ;
D, II. Mellinger, K. R. andS.; S L. Dellinger, M. Exc; A. Sour-
bier. M.F. ; E. P. Bucher, C. C; William McNeil, V, C. ; Frederick
BrUBO, Prel.lte; Samuel R. Gnimm, K. R. and S.
The present membership is ninety-one. The lodge
now owns Temperance Hall. It also has an invested
capitiil of $3500.
Cassiopeia Lodge, No. 1705, G. U. 0. of 0. F.,^
was instituted at Marietta Nov. 8, 1875, with the
following-named officers and members: Joseph M.
Staffi>rd, P. N. F.; Singleton Willis, N. F. ; William
F. Sebastian, P. N. G. ; Charles Jason, Sr., N. G. ;
John M. Mallon, V. G. ; Charles Jason, Jr., E. S. ;
Joseph M. StafTord, P. S. ; John M. Mallon, Chap-
lain; Charles Jason, Sr., Treas. ; Archer Sales, W.;
Andrew-Black, G. ; William H. Cain, R. S. to N. G. ;
Jeremiah Miles, L. S. to N. G. ; Josiah Fairfax, R. 8.
to V. G. The growth of the lodge has been gradual
from its inception until it now numbers thirty mem-
eph M, Stafford.
636
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
bers. The regular meetings of the lodge are held on
Tuesday evening of each week, in a building owned
and occupied by the lodge on Fairview Street. In
the community in which it is located this lodge is
acknowledged to be a factor in shaping the morals of
its members and leading the van in the field of use-
fulness. The present officers are William H. Cain,
P. N. F. ; Joseph Maze, N. F. ; John Howard, P. N. G. ;
Jeremiah Miles, N. G. ; William H. Rainbow, V. G. ;
George Anderson, E. S. ; Joseph Fairfax, G. ; Daniel
McCurdy, W. ; S. W. Benson, R. S. to N. G. ; William
H. Geary, L. S. to N. G. ; William Mallon, R. S. to
V. G. ; Charles W. Jason, Sr., L. S. to V. G. ; John
W. Mallon, Chaplain; C. W. Jason, Jr., Treas. ; Jo- !
seph M. Stafford, P. S.
Connected with this lodge is the Household of
Euth, No. 123, to whose membership are admitted
all members of the G. U. O. of O. F. in America,
their wives, mothers, widows, and daughters, and the
unmarried daughters and sisters of all Odd-Fellows,
who have or do aid the brotherhood. The regular ■
meetings of the Household are held on the first
Monday in each month in Odd-Folhiws' Hall, F:.ir-
view Street. Present njembersliip, forty three.
Lieut. William Child Post, No. 226, G. A. R.,
located at Marietta, Pa., was organized on 31st of
August, 1881, with twenty-two charter members. The
first officers were: P. C, George H. Ettla ; S. V. C,
Amos Grove; J. V. C, Thomas Marlin ; Adjt., J. H.
Druckemiller; Q.-M., Horace L. Haldeman ; O. of
D., J. R. Miller; Chaplain, S. E. Wisner; 0. of G.,
John Kugle; Sergt.-Maj., Lewis Leader; Surg., Wil-
liam Smedley ; Q. M.-Sergt., F. J. Mack. The present
officers are: P. C, Amos Grove; S. V. C, Thomas
Marlin; J. V. C, Absalom Light; AdJt., J. H.
Druckemiller; Q.M., Adam Wisnian ; O. of 1).,
John W. Riff; Chap., S. E. Wisn'r; Surg., William
Smedley; O. of G., George W. Brooks; Sergt.-Maj.,
Lewis Leader; Q.M.-Sergt., W. S. Geiter. The post
numbers at present seventy-five good-standing mem-
bers. They meet the first and third Friday evenings
of each month in Miller's Hall, Market Street.
The English Presbyterian Church was com-
menced A.D. 1821, and completed October, 1822.
The building here reft-rred to was located on Gay
Street, between Walnut and Fairview Streets, nearly
op|)osite the cemetery.
A meeting was held at the church by the appoint-
ment of the New Castle Presbytery, present, Rev.
Stephen Boyer and Rev. James Latta, committee of
said Presbytery for the ordination of elders, when
the Rev. Stephen Boyer was called to the chair and
David C. Whitehill ajjpointed secretary, and the fol-
lowing persons were nominated and elected elders:
John Wilson, Thomas Dickey, Jr., William H. Diif-
field, James Sterritt, and James Agnew, who were by
the said committee regularly ordained and set apart
as elders over the •English Presbyterian Church in
Marietta.
The names of the first pew-holders were Jami
McClelland, James Agnew, Frederick Haines, Abi
ham Varley, William McColoch, Barnard Brovro^;
John Wilson, Andrew Boner, David Ferree, J
Wilson, Joshua King, Samuel Hopkins, J
Thompson, George Alstadt, John Heckrotte, Samuel
McKinney, John Spangler, A. L. Evans, Samud
Bailie, H. Heckrotte, Alexander Boggs, Esq., JgmH
Mehaffy, Andrew Noble, Elijah Russel, William A.
Duffield, Francis Boggs, D. C. Whitehill, Mrs. Aoi,
Curran, William Maxwell, Benjamin Garman, Jamji
Sterrett, John Slienk, James Noble, Mrs. Jane Portar,
Peter Baker, Thomas Dickey, Jacob Stahl, S. Jacobs
Hannah Hays, Henry Cassel. James Steele, John
Campbell, John Gault, Mrs. Parks, Robert Jones. .-
In pursuance of public notice, given from the pul-
pit by the Rev. Philip Boyer, on 27th of October,
1822, a meeting was held, when James Mehaffy wu
appointed chairman, Thomas Dickey secretary, when
it was unanimously resolved by the pew-holdere pre»»
ent that James Jlehaffy, Elijah Russel, and William
H. Duffield be a committee to make application to
the New Castle Presbytery, now sitting in Lancaster,
to be received under their care. The said comtnitte*
reported on the 28tli that they had attended to tbt
duty of their ai)pointment, and the church was re-
ceived as a member of the Presbytery of New Castle
on the same footing as the other churches. ■;
A special meeting of the session of the Englisli
Presbyterian Church in Marietta was held, according
rom the pulpit, Saturday, April 8,
imas Dickey was appointed clerk
to previous not
1824, at which
of the session.
In pursuanc
congregation w
of previous notice, a meeting of the
held on the same day in the church
at eleven o'clock, for the purpose of electing a pastor,
when a motion was made by James Wilson that one
of the session be appointed moderator. Agreed to
after some delayj_ But few persons being present, H
was agreed to adjourn to meet at six o'clock in the
evening. Met agreeably to adjournment, when it wai
unanimously resolved that Orson Donghlass be and
he is hereby declared the choice of this congregation
as their pastor, and that a regular call be made out to
be presented to the Presbytery of New Castle for
three-fourths of his time, — on three Sabbath after-
noons out of four, — and that James Mehaffy, Elijah
Russel, James Sterrett, James Wilson, John Spangler,
James Agnew, and Peter Baker be a committee to
sign the call, and James Wilson be commissioned
present it to Presbytery.
Agreeably to previcms notice, the congregation met
on May 5, 1824, and adopted a charter for the gov-
ernment of the church, in which James MehiitTy,
Elijah Russel, and James Wilson were made tiiu trus-
tees, to act one, two, and three years, one trustee to be
elected annually afterwards. This charter was pre-
sented to the Supreme Court May 17th, and approved
Oct. 13, 1824.
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
637
Tlie call for the services of Orson Doughlass was
laid before the Presbytery of New Castle, and being
found in order, a committee was appointed to install
him on the first Friday in June, services to commence
at eleven o'clock in the morning, Samuel Martin to
preach the sermon, Rev. James Latta to give the
charge to the pastor and congregation. The said
committee attended to the duties of their appointment
at the time above specihed by installing Rev. Orson
Doughlass as pastor.
The Rev. Orson Doughlass supplied the pulpits of
the Donegal and Marietta Churches principally from
the dedication of the Marietta Church, in 1822, till
the time of his installation, in 1824, when he became
piistor of both churches. The following persons,
Dienibers of the Donegal Church, were dismissed
from said church to become members of the church
in Marietta, as follows: Catherine Dickey, Rebecca
Dickey, Alexander Rogers, Hannah Rogers, Peter
Baker, Mary Baker, Margaret Jones, Mary Jones,
Catherine Longnecker, Elizabeth Jack, JIary Balie,
David Ferree, Sophia Moulton, Nancy Smith, Ann
Davis, Margaret McColoch, James Steele, C. Fitzsim-
mons, Jacob Stahl, Nancy Stahl, Mary Fishbach,
Charlotte Russel, Esther JIcKinney, Eliza Hertzler,
Eleanor Sterrett, Samuel McClelland, Elizabeth Mc-
Clelland, Martha McClure, James Wilson, Rhoda
Burtman, Blargaret Johnston, Hannah McClelland.
The foregoing persons made application to the session,
and were adnjitted to membership Aug. 24, 1824.
James Steele and James Wilson were elected and
installed elders December, 1826. Several elders re-
moved from the neighborhood. Jacob Stahl and
Henry Speice were elected elders Feb. 26, 1836, and
ordained by Rev. Orson Doughlass.
The Rev. Orson Doughlass resigned as pastor of the
church May 12, 1836.
In pursuance of previous' public notice from the
pulpit, a meeting of the congregation was held in the
church on the third Monday of April, 1S37, at which
an election for pastor was held, which resulted in the
unanimous election of the Rev. Thomas Marshall
Boggs to preach every other Sabbath afternoon, he
also being pastor of Donegal Church. He continued
pastor of both churches to the time of his death in
Mount Joy, in October, 1850. 1
The Rev. AVilliam A. Rankin was elected and
regularly ordained pastor of the English Presbyterian
Church in JIarietta for his whole time. It was dur-
ing his pastorate the present church was built in
Market Street ; the old church on Gay Street was re-
moved, and materials used in part in the construction
of the new church. The building committee of the
present cluirch, James Whitehill, Jacob Stahl, A.
S. Cassel, and Charles Kelly; John H. Goodman,
architect. The church was completed and dedicated
January, 1854.
Tlie Rev. William A. Rankin resigned as pastor
May, 1854.
The church supplied itself with preachers from the
time of the resignation of the Rev. Rankin till the
time Rev. P. J. Tinilow became stated supply on Nov.
2t>, 1855, in which position he continued till April 4,
18G0, when a call was made and accepted. He was
regularly installed jjastor of the Presbyterian Church
in Marietta May 1, 1860, and continued pastor till
his resignation April 18, 1865.
The Rev. William A. Fleming was called as pastor
Nov. 7, 1865. Samuel Lindsay and A. N. Cassel were
elected and ordained elders March 17, 1867, by him.
He resigned as pastor December, 1867. James Ab.
Anderson and T. Heastand were elected deacons dur-
ing his pastorate.
Rev. William J. Bridells was installed pastor of the
English Presbyterian Church in Marietta Oct. 21,
1868. Rev. George Gamble preached the sermon ;
Rev. P. J. Timlow gave the charge to the pastor.
Rev. John Elliott the charge to the people, William
McAffee and Benjamin Olimit were elected deacons,
and ordained Nov. 30, 1870, by him. He resigned as
pastor January, 1878.
The church supplied itself by consent of Presbytery
from the time of the resignation of Rev. Bridells
till Rev. John McElmoyle became stated supply, No-
vember, 1878, and received a regular call, and was
ordained and installed pastor of the English Presbyte-
rian Church in Marietta, Pa., April 20, 1879. During
his pastorate S. P. Sterrett, Theodore Heistand, and
Lewis Z. Lindemuth were elected elders, and ordained
July 6, 1879. Theodore lleistand's resignation was
acccepted November, 1881. Abraham Summy, J. S.
Geist, and Daniel Ilgenfritz were also ordained dea-
cons at the same time.
The Rev. John McElmoyle resigned this charge
March 1, 1883.
Number of members reported to Westminster Pres-
bytery in regular standing at the last meeting, 170.
This church and-the IMount Joy Church were origin-
ally taken from the Donegal Church.
The Sunday-school connected with the Presbyterian
Church in Marietta was one of the first Sunday-
schools established in the State, and formed as a
Union school, all denominaticnis taking part, in 1819,
and was called the Marietta Sunday-School Associa-
tion.
The following persons were presidents: Rev. Wil-
liam Kerr, 1819-21; Mr. James Mehaffey, 1821-23;
Rev. Orson Doughla.ss, 1823-35; Rev. T. M. Boggs,
1835-50; James Wiison,'^amuel Ludwig, and others,
from 1850-68; William I.' Bridells, 1868-78; and was
succeeded by Rev. JIcElmoyle, 1878-79; Mr. I. S.
Geist, 1879 to the present time (1883).
This school was first organized in what was known
as the Bell school-Jiouse, but afterwards removed to
the small building east of Mrs. Eagler, where it re-
mained (,ill the Presbyterian Church was built on
Gay Street, when it was taken there. The teachers and
managers were then nearly all Presbyterians. It be-
638
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
came a Presbyterian Sunday-school in 1823. The
following have been elected superintendents of the
school: James Parks, 1819-23; .John Wilson, 1823-
28; James Wilson, 1829; Thomas Dickey, Jr., 1829-
30; Lewis Kellog, 1830-33; James Steele, 1833-34;
Jame.s Wilson, 1834-64; Samuel Lindsay, 18G4-77;
Theodore Hiestand, 1877-80 ; superintendent at pres-
ent, H. B. Cassel, 1880-83.
The school was removed from the Presbyterian
Church several years before the removal of the church
to the house now on the northeast corner of Gay and
Walnut Streets, and in 1854 removed to the room it
now occupies in the Presbyterian Church, and that
it did not number over twenty since its formation.
The Methodist Episcopal, Reformed Lutheran, Cath-
olic, United Brethren, and African have established
Sunday-schools, towards which this school contributed
a large number of scholars.
The present officers of the church are : Elders,
Jacob Stahl, A. N. Cassel, S. P. Sterrett, Louis C.
Lindemuth ; Trustees, S. P. Sterrett, C. A. Shaftner,
B. F. Hiestand; Deacons, William McAfee, Tlieo-
dore Hiestand, J. S. Griest, Daniel Ilgenfritz.
Methodist Episcopal Church.— Just when the
pioneer of Methodism wended his way to what is
now the peaceful and quiet borough of Marietta is
not definitely known. Neither is it positively known
to the writer or any of his informers who he' was or
how became, whether on foot, on horseback, or in a
canoe. The probabilities are, however, that he camq
down along the left bank of the noble old Susque-
hanna, spying out the land as he came, and wherever
a pioneer settlement was discovered, there the old-
fashioned pioneer itinerant would unfurl the banner
of his Master, and in the good old Wesleyau way,
without fee or the expectation of reward, urge sin-
ners to flee the wrath to come. The old pioneer
preacher was truly a character; dressed in homespun,
broad-brim hat, white necktie, if any at all, long,
flowing locks of hair, silvered o'er with the frosts of
many winters, falling gracefully over his shoulders,
he thus appeared the very embodiment of goodness.
He always rode his best horse, for he never had but
one at a time, and that would last him many years.
His outfit for a four or eight weeks' journey around
the circuit was an old-fashioned leather portipanteau
fastened on behind the saddle, in which was, first, a
small Bible and a Methodist hymn-book, next a
change of linen (coarse shirt), a small supply of
coarse bread and meat, to be eaten in case of neces-
sity, and that necessity came many a time with the
old pioneer itinerant on a six or eight ^hundred mile
circuit. To one of these self-sacrificing saints of God,
who took their lives in their hand and traversed the
then wilds of Pennsylvania, scaling mountains, wan-
dering through valleys, fording rivers, and braving
the elements, is due the planting of Metl^odisin as
early as 1800 at what is now the town of Marietta,
But few inhabitants were here at that time, but it
mattered not to the old veteran of the cross, who was
simply obeying the divine command, " Go ye into
all the world and preach my gospel." He could
preaeh to the poor and lowly in the most unpreten-
tious hut as well or better than to the king in his
palace. "Like all other places, a " class" was to be
formed at Waterford or New H.aven as a nucleus
around which might grow up a prosperous society,
and it is believed that such a class was formed here
as early as 1815 or 1820, and possibly earlier. The
first class-leader is supposed to have been Benjamin
Garman, as he was known to be a leader as early as
1823 or 1825. Preaching services were held at pri-
vate houses when convenient, and occasionally under
.the spreading branches of some large tree, and from
1825 to 1830 the Methodists occupied that little long,
low brick building on what is now Market Street,
and now owned by Barr Spangler. In 1830 the so-
ciety built a frame meeting-house on what was known
for many years as Back Street, now Walnut Street,
on the site now occupied by the Evangelical Lutheran
Church. Previous to 1830, probably as early as 1825,
and no doubt with the view of owning church prop-
erty, the following trustees were elected for this
region of country: Benjamin Garman, Marietta;
Henry Haldeman, Locust Grove ; and Lloyd,
Esq., of Columbia.
The Methodists continued to occupy their house of
worship on Walnut Street until the building of their
new brick meeting-house in 1850. From 1830 to
18t)5, or a little later, the Methodists had within their
congregation or adherents of that faith the wealth
and aristocracy of the town, and at present stands
more than equal with their sister-churches. The
original cost of the present church edifice, located ou
Second Street, was about five thousand dollars, and
in 1874 was remodeled and somewhat beautified at an
expense of about three thousand dollars. In 1865
the society was^ incorporated with the following-
named trustees: Benjamin Garman, Jacob A. Wis-
ner, Robert Carroll, George W. Clawgus, Alexander
Smith, and George W. Worrell.
Among the early members of the society, or those
belonging previous to 1840, we find the names of not
only those mentioned previous to that date, but a Mr.
Wormly, who was a trustee, Catharine Jamison,
Catharine McMichael, Mrs. Kelly, Margaret G.
Childs, Robert Carroll, Mary Carroll, Hannah Shill,
Mrs. Grosh, John B. Carter, a class-leader in 1839,
Rebecca Carroll, Helen Cramer, Anna Shill, Maria
Martin, Sarah Trump, and Catharine Souders. No
doubt there were many more, but we have no means
of obtaining their names. From 1840 to 1860 the
following-named persons were and are still some of
the membership: Robert Turner, (icorgo Roodesill,
Jacob Wisner, Abram Musscr, Mrs. Kramer, Mrs.
Longenecker, James McClure and wife, Rachel Bow-
man, C. Stibian and wife, Jlrs. Rathvon.
Among the jiustors who' have served this people
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
gnd congregation previous to 1865 we find the follow-
ing, who are remembered by the older members :
Revs. Sutton, Sumption, Edwards, Reed, Greenbank,
Berridge, Kurtze, Librand, Petit, Pancoast, Gilling-
hnm. From 18G3 we have the following complete
list of pastors : 1863-65, Joseph Gregg; 1865-66, Wil-
liam JEatthias; 1866-68, John Stringer; 1868-71, J.
R. Taylor Gray; 1871-73, S. A. Heilman ; 1873-75,
C. H. McDermond ; 1875-77, J. Lindermuth ; 1877-
79, J. M.Wheeler; 1879-81, J. Wesley Ueiger; 1881-
84, J. C. Wood.
Officiary, 1883: Stewards, James McClure, Sr.,
James JlcClure, Jr., Harry Graybill, M. M. Caracher,
auii Aaron Sauerbier.
, Class-leaders, Robert Turner, George W. Worrell,
and M. M. Caracher.
Trustees, Michael Gabel, Frank Lawrence, Adam
Wiseman, Aaron Sauerbier, Amos IJowman, and
Harry Graybill.
Zion's Church.— The following is a copy of the
original subscription-paper for raising money with
wliich to build this church :
" To the people of all religious denominations :
"The building of meeting-houses for religious wor-
ship is not only laudable, but a duty which men owe
their Creator, for the use of themselves and their pos-
terity. It is therefore presumed that no arguments in
favor of the building of a meeting-house are neces-
sary ; but means to defray the expense of such a
building are absolutely wanted. The number of in-
dividuals of each denomination being small, it would
be very burdensome for each sect to build a meeting-
house of their own; but all Christians joining in
building one for the common use and benefit of all,
the burden will dwindle into almost nothing. It is
therefore proposed to build a meeting-house iu the
borough of Marietta, for the common use and benefit
of all denominations of Protestant Christians, to be
regulated, in all respects, in such a manner as a ma-
jority of subscribers present at a meeting to be called
for the purpose by the five first subscribers may di-
rect; at which meeting there shall be appointed per-
sons to fix on the spot whereon the building shall be
erected, the size and dimensions thereof, as also per-
sons to collect the money so subscribed, and to provide
the material and superintend the building, etc. ^
"For the purpose above mentioned, and for no
other, we, the subscribers hereunto, do promise to
pay, on demand, to such person or persons as above
mentioned, or their order, the several sums of money
by each of us respectively subscribed and annexed to
each of our names.
" Witness our hands July, 1817."
The f'rllowing is a list of the original contributors :
Jacob Orosh, Esq., John Roberts, Abm. Tublin, Jacob
Rohrcr, Esq., Samuel Hopkins, Peter Longenaker,
John Bates, Henry Cassell, David Reinhart, William
Child, Esq., Henry Conn, Sr., David Cassell, Sr.,
George Dyer, George Hainbright, Thomas Wentz,
F. A. Muhlenberg, John Rupley, John Christ, Jacob •■
Etter, Benjamin Steman, Benjamin Lefever, Samuel
D. Miller, John C. Lefever, Frederick Moyer, Fred-
erick li'ronk, John H. Goodman, Edward Croft, C.
Hershey, John Srimp, John Dimmerman, Henry
Sultzbauch: James Buchanan, Esq., William Hinkle,
Michael Hoover, Samuel Dale, Esq., B. Grundaker,
Abm. Breneman, George B. Porter, Esq., Henry Shan,
Esq., Henry Haines, Sr., Henry Bear, Tobias Miller,
John Longenaker (River), John Longenaker, Chris-
tian Miller, N. Keller, Daniel Grosh, John B. Halde-
nian, John Panles, Christian Heitzler, Christian Leib,
John Greis, Barnabas Yates, David Martin, William
Pierce, John Shank, Brice Curran, Valentine Von-
dersmith. Christian Metz, Jr., E. Allen, William Ham-
ilton, Christian Metz, John Swar, Jacob Shinnig,
Joseph Hamacher, George Fisher, Martin Grider,
James McClellan, Sr., Valentine Grider, John Gri-
der, Daniel Grider, Isaac Rohrer, Peter Baker, Henry
Haldeman, John Zook, James Duffy, Christian Kee-
sey, Jacob Sharer (Lancaster), William Cooper, Wil-
I liam McClure, William Ridenbauch, John Welsh,
Adam Reinhart, Jacob Strickler, a widow, Jacob
Graybill, Joseph Heisey, John Monk, John Huss,
Andrew Boggs, Christian Roth, Elijah Russell, John
M. Patrick, Stephen St. John, John Myers, Patrick
Downey, William Adams, Zachariah Moore, James
Mehaffy, Charles Nagle, Abraham Tublin, Henry
Leibhart, William Goodyear, John Shirts, Lewis
Leader, John Spangler, Benjamin Steman, Jacob
Etter, Benjamin Gamin, Henry B. Shaffner, John
Folt, John Shisler, John Christy, John Shaffer, Chris-
tian IMiller, Dr. Muhlenberg, John Shuck, Daniel
Schnavely, Peter Hummerickhouse, Christian Halde-
man, J. Enyan, L. H. Stevens, Sebastian Kohl, J.
Houty, John Gait, C. Suavely, H. Hubley, F. Hains,
J. Libhart, F. Evans, Samuel Oberly, Groff & Fisher,
C. King, John Sultybauch, Henry Sultybauch, D.
Snavely, J. Heckrote, Dr. King, Jr., I). Lankard, A.
Cassell, James Steele, John Stoner, J. Welshofer, J.
Sheets, M. Whitson, H. B. Shafner, John Loucks, H.
Hogman, Dr. Graham, S. Jacobs, Samuel Hairer,
Andrew Noble, John Jloore, Joseph Landis, M. Dan-
ner, IM. Gardner, M. Welsh, Z. Spangler, George
Small, J. S. Worley, A. Rutter, C. A. Barnitz, Wil-
liam Barber, John Gardner, William Mcllvain,
Thomas Kelly, John Koons, D. Car^satt, Morris
Small, A. Heastand.
The subscriptions reached an aggregate of fourteen
hundred and seventy-seven dollars and forty cents,
and at a meeting of the subscribers, held in Septem-
ber of the same year, resolutions were adopted pre-
scribing rules for their government, among which it
was set forth that no sect or denomiinition should be
excluded, "but each shall have an eipial right to said
church agreeable to the subscription papers."
The borough authorities gave permission for the
erection ot the church on "the west corner of the
I burying-ground," " lor the use of all Protestant Chris-
640
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
tian denominations, none to be exclmled." Tlie cor-
ner-stone was laid on the 23d of August, 1818, and the
memorandum deposited in it repeated the condition
that tlie cluircli to be erected there was " for tlie use
of all Protestant Christians residing in Marietta or
its neighborhood, and joining this congregation as
pew-hoiders or otherwise."
The church was consecrated June 15, 1823. It
appears from the record that no trustees were elected
during twenty years, but on the 4th of December,
1843, Samuel Eberly, Samuel Hopkins, Henry Sultz-
bauch, John Kline, Samuel P. Miller, Philip Ropp,
John Paules, and James B. Shaffner were chosen, and
trustees were regularly elected afterwards. In 1854
the German Reformed and Lutheran congregations
were allowed by the trustees to place an organ in the
churcli. The burial-ground in which the church stood
became so full that it was found necessary in 1857 to
restrict the privilege of making interments there. An
addition to it was made by the borough, but burials
there have long since ceased.
The German Reformed and Lutheran congregations
used this house as a place of worship during many
years. About four years since the Lutherans ceased
to worship here. The Reformed Society became prac-
tically extinct many years since, but five years ago it
was revived, and it has since occupied this house.-
Every religious society or church in the borough,
except the Catholic Church, lias occupied this house
in the early period of its existence. The house has
not been greatly changed since its erection. A gal-
lery has been added, a bell-tower has been built, and
some changes have been made in its internal arrange-
ments. It is a brick structure, and its seating capacity
is four hundred.
St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, of Ma-
rietta,' located on the corner of Second and Chest-
nut Streets (south of Second), was incorporated in
1865 (has a seal). The building is a brick structure,
is sixty-seven feet in length, and thirty-two feet in
width, with steeple and bell, and large basement.
The building was commenced and corner-stone laid in
186C, and finished in 1867. The finishing of the church
inside — the pulpit, altar, arches of chancel doors,
pews, wainscoting, and church furniture — are walnut.
The windows are of stained or colored glass of differ-
ent colors (figures or representations and mottiies on
large chancel windows), with arched ceiling. Robing
room and pulpit on east side of chancel, and organ
and choir on west side, making a very comfortable
and pleasant house for worship. The Sunday-school
and recitinj» rooms are in the basement of the church
building. First rector called was the Rev. R. C. Rus-
nell. First vestry of the new church was S. F. Eagle,
Dr. Edwin Haldcman, C. J. Nourse, E. D. Roath,
Henry Wolf, William Kendig, Jacob Roth, and Jacob
C. Burkhart.
Jacob C. Burkhart was elected secretary of veatrj,
The following were appointed the building conimiU
tee, viz.: Rev. R. C. Russell, Stejjhen F. Eagle, Dn
E. Haldeman, and E. D. Roath, treasurer; coat of
building proper and ground, nine thousand ninehuD"
dred dollars. The church was dedicated Nov. 14,
1872, by the Right Rev. Mark Antony De Wolfe
Howe, bishop. The corner-stone was laid by tbt
Right Rev. Vale, Bishop of the Diocese of Ne-
braska, Wyoming, and other Territories, conipoalnf
one diocese.
The church is in good condition and free from debt,
and owns a fine brick rectory not far from the churek
on Second Street. Within the last few years, under
the charge of the last rector, Rev. Alonzo Potter Dil-;
ler, many have been added to the membership. Pewl:
free. The Sunday-school is in a flourishing condi-
tion, numbering one hundred and thirty-five pupili,
thirteen teachers, and three officers; Albert D. \Vik(^
superintendent. Over two thousand volumes hare
been purchased since the organiziition. A number of
volumes have become soiled and worn out, and hare'
been replaced by publications of later date.
Names of rectors that have been called ami offi-
ciated as rectors are, viz. : Revs. Robert C. Russell,'
Charles H. Meade. William T. Davidson, James 0.
Drumm, and Alnii/o P. Diller. The present vestry
consists of the lullowing, viz.: Stephen F. Eagle,
rector's warden ; E. D. Roath, church warden;
George W. Mehafley, A. D. Wike, H. S. Stauffer,
Simon F. Stibgen, Dr. George Reich, George F. Stib-
gen. A. D. Wike, secretary.
Services were frequently held in Zion's Church
prior to building and establishing St. John's pariah
by Dr. Appleton and others for the membership io
this locality.
Zion's German-English Evangelical Lutheran
Congregation" of the borough of Jlarietta and vi-
cinity, in Lancaster County, Pa., was organized in the
year of our Lord" 1855. As early, however, as 1852
the nucleus of the congregation was already formed.
Previous to this year the spiritual wants of
Lutherans at Marietta were attended to by the paa-
tors of the Lutheran Church at Columbia, Pa. In
1852 the Lutherans and German Reformed of Marietta
organized a so-called union congregation. Re
Doer, a Reformed minister, preached for them eve7
two weeks. This arrangement, however, was contia
ued only a little over a year. During the two year*
following there was preaching occasionally by indi
viduuls, some of whom proved themselves very worth-
less characters.
In the early part of the summer of 1855, Rev.
George JVI. Merz, a Lutheran minister, came to M
etta, and, making himself known, was asked hy the
Lutherans to remain with them and become tlieif
pastor. A congregation was organized and officers
Uy
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
641
elected. No official written documents relating to i
the congregation exist, as far as we linow, of this pe- |
rioJ save tlie record of the ministerial acts of Rev.
Merz. His first entry is the baptism of a cliild, dated I
July 1, 1S5.3, and the last, also an infant baptism, ,
fiept. 19, 1858.
His successor was found in the person of Rev. Jo-
leph Sclunalzl, pastor of Salem's German Lutheran
Cljiirch at Columbia, Pa. His ministration was brief
ibout one year. Soon after he was elected pastor j
tLe congregation adopted a constitution, on the 7th !
of Xovember, 1858. It is signed by the pastor and
fifty-six male members. The following are the names [
of tliiise who signed it, and are still living and mem-
bers of the congregation: Ferdinand Zuch, Christo- 1
pbtT Kolb, Wilhelm Theisinger, Johann Meister,
George Raum, Friedrick Bink, Wilhelm Westeu-
huefc-r, Jacob Menge, Dionis Ziegelmeier, and Adam 1
Kuehler, Sr. This constitution was superseded by '
aiioilier adopted on the 15th of January, 1860. j
lu tlie fall of 1859, Rev. J. A. Darmstaetter, who
had completed his studies at the Lutheran Seminary |
at Gettysburg, Pa., and was called to the pastorate of I
Saleiu German Lutheran Church at Columbia, was
elected pastor of the congregation. He accepted, and [
aerved Marietta in connection with Columbia, residing' i
at the latter place and preaching at the former every
two weeks. In 1859 a Sunday-school was organized,
of which Mr. Michael Stump has been tlie efficient
superintendent since 18G0. Mr. Christian Kolb and j
Mr. Ferdinand Zuch served in this capacity also. [
During the hmg and faithful service of the Rev.
Diirmstaetter the congregation grew and waxed j
Btroiig. With great self-denial and sacrifice he ear-
nestly labored to make the congregation self-sustain-
ing, and have it to call a pastor who would reside in
Marietta and preach in the German and English lan-
guage. His labors were crowned with success. After
Serving the congregation for almost nineteen years, he
resigned on the 24lh of March, 1878, retaining the
Congregation at Columbia and Chestnut Hill. He
preached his farewell sermon on the 2d of June, 1878.
The congregation, now forming a separate charge,
extended a call to its present pastor, Rev. George Ph.
Mueller, a graduate of the Lutheran Concordia Col-
lege at Fort Wayne, Ind., and of the Lutheran Theo-
logical Seminary in Philadelphia. He accepted, and
was installed on the 14th of July, 1878, by his prede-
cessor, assisted by Rev. F. P. Mayser, of Lancaster,
I'll. As one of the conditions of his call was to
preach in the German and English language, and
also to perform hia ministerial acts in either, as might
be requested, he reorganized the German congrega-
li'in into a German- English, when they adopted a new
(;oiistitution on the 19th of August, 1878. The con-
gregation, not being incorporated, obtained a charter
on the 23d of January, 1882.-
Until the winter of 1878 the congregation was
without a church building of its own. It worshiped
41
in Zion's Church, a building erected by the contribti-
tion of the Protestants of this place, and open to all
denominations who wish to worship there. Rent was
paid for the use of this building. In 1874 the con-
gregation bought a lot on the corner of Walnut
Street and Mulberry Alley. Two years later, in 1876,
it put in the foundation for a church edifice, but
owing to adverse circumstances did not proceed to the
building thereof. Thus things stood until the 26th of
August, 1878, when a congregational meeting was
held and the erection of a church discussed. It was
unanimously resolved to build. Matters were now
pushed, and on the 15th of September the corner-
stone was laid, and three months later the edifice was
finished, and dedicated on the 15th of December,
1878. The structure is built of brick, Gothic style,
thirty-three by sixty feet, excluding buttresses; walls
sixteen feet high. In 1883 the congregation added a
tower, and the Women Society presented the bell, in
memory of the four-hundredth anniversaryof the birth
of Dr. Martin Luther, born Nov. 10, 1483. The bell
weighs five hundred and eighteen pounds without"
mountings, which are a present of the Young Folks'
Society, and was consecrated on the 15th of ,fuly, the
fifth anniversary of Rev. Mueller's installation as
pastor. The whole property of the congregation is
estimated at four thousand dollars, and is free of
debt. The congregation numbers one hundred and
thirty-six confirmed members, and the Sunday-
school one hundred and thirty-nine pupils and nine-
teen teachers.
From July 1, 1855, to July 27, 1883, the following
ministerial acts were performed by the pastors of the
congregation, as recorded in the church record: bap-
tisms, 666; confirmations, 201; communions, 2882;
marriages, 114; burials, 242.
St. Mary's Catholic Church.— Prior to the year
1870 the Roman Catholics living in Marietta had
been obliged to go to Columbia in order to hear mass,
except during the time that Father Russell said mass
for them in their town hall. For a long time they
had manifested an anxiety to have a church in their
town, where they might assist at divine service, and
with the view of obtaining the erection of the desired
church, a suitable site at the intersection of Second
and Perry Streets, one hundred and twenty by two
hundred and ten feet, was purchased, the deed being
made out in the names of the following trustees:
Prof S. S. Haldeman, Jno. K. Fidler, and William
H. Eagle. A part of the required sum for the pur-
chase was collected and paid to Mr. Henry Ockard,
the owner. In 1867 the deed of the lot was trans-
ferred by the trustees to the Right Rev. James F.
Wood,-Bisliop of Philadclpliia, in trust for the Uoman
Catholic congregation of Marietta, Pa. The balance
— five hundred dollars — owing on the lot was paid to
Mr. Ockard, Sept. 23, 1869, by the Rev. James J.
Russell, pastor. On Nov. 4, 1869, the rite of the lay-
ing of the corner-stone of the church was performed
642
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
by the Right Rev. J. F. Shanahan, who, in the pre-
ceding year, bad been consecrated bishop of the new
diocese of Ilarrisburg. The sermon on the occasion
was preached by the Right Rev. Thomas A. Becker,
of the diocese of Wilmington, Del. On the 7th of
May, 1871, the chapel of the church was dedicated by
the Right Rev. J. F. Shanahan to the great joy and
delight of the people, and on the same day mass was
said in it for the first time. The church is fifty by
ninety-eight feet.
The next important events in the history of the
church were the opening of a mission by the Re-
demptorist Fatliers, and the blessing at its close on
the 16th of June, 1872, of a beautiful cross bestowed
on the church by Paris Haldeman, Esq., whose gen-
erosity in this and in other ways is held in grateful
remembrance by the people of St. Mary's parish.
This cross surmounts the steeple of the churcli. The
parochial school was opened on the 2d of September,
1873, and placed under the care of the Sisters of
Charity, to whom at the same time was assigned the
charge of the Sunday-school, which, up to this date,
had, for a number of years, been presided over by
!Miss Margaret Trainor.
Before the numerical loss (written of further on)
which the congregation sustained, the average num-
ber of pupils in the Sunday-school had been seventy-
five; it is now about forty. Lack of employment in
Marietta during the panicky times of recent years
compelled many of the families of St. Mary's congre-
gation to migrate to other districts where work could
be had. In consequence of this diminution of the
number of the parishioners, the fine church is only
partially completed. While, however, the church
proper is unfinished, the edifice possesses a magnifi-
cent basement, in which the children of the parochial
school are taught, and on Sunday divine services
held. With the record here of the liberal pecuniary
aid which tlie non-Catholics of Marietta gave in the
erection of the church, this brief history of its in-
fancy closes.
United Brethren. — This church was organized
May 20, 1880, by Rev. William S. Lesher, with the
following-named persons as the original members,
who were also the first trustees: Abram R. Lutz, D.
Detweiler, and Samuel Nye. This organization was
at first connected with the German Conference, and
subsequently transferred to the English Conference.
In the fall of 1880, through the means of a special
meeting, about forty persons were added to the
church. The house of worship, located in West
Marietta, was built by the Methodist Society to be
occupied as a chapel, and in May, 1880, sold to the
TJnited l!ret)iren, and t)y them was dedicated in June
of the same year. I'resent membership, twenty-six.
The trustees for 1883 were A. R. Lutz, Alexander
McAfee, Joseph McFarland,- George Geiser, and
Samuel Stacks. Value of church property, eleven
hundred dollars. Present pastor, Rev. Mr. Kramer.
The Sunday-school connected with this church
was organized in April, 1883, with Christian Stibgeo
as superintendent, with thirty-five pupils.
African Churches.— There are also two African
churches or congregations in Marietta, of which no
reliable iiiformation could be obtained as to date of ■
organization, building of churches, names of pioneer
members, first preachers, or present condition of the
societies. It was stated, however, by persons cogni-
zant of the fact, that both churches were in a flour-
ishing condition, and well supplied with ministerial
assistance. '•'
lOGRAPHlCAL SKETCHES. ■■-
JAMES DUFFY.
Jolin Duffy, the grandfather of James, was born in '
Newtown, Cunningham County, Donegal, Ireland,
where he followed the vocation of leather-dressing.'
He was married to Miss Ann Bradley, and had ont
son, James, who was born in the same county and
township in Ireland, where he was an extensive con-
tractor. He was a man of large acquirements and
'exceptional business capacity. He was married to
Miss Catharine Sheridan, of the same county, uiid
during the year 1800 emigrated to America, and
settled in the city of Lancaster, Lancaster Co., fr»m
whence he removed to Marietta in the same county.
Mr. Dufl'y, aside from his business occupatioiiM in
Ireland, was connected with the military service, and
a member of the Light Horse Cavalry. He idii-
tinued his former business in Pennsylvania, i.(jn-
structed the Marietta and Lancaster turnpike, the
turnpike from Elizabethtown to. the Susquehanna
River, and a large portion of the road from Carlisle
to Baltimore via York Springs and Gettysburg.
He also projected a portion of the borough of
Marietta. In politics he was a Democrat, and in liis
religious predilections a Roman Catholic.
Mr. and Mrs. Duffy had twelve children, of whom
seven survived. The death of Mrs. Duffy occuirr-l
in 1820, and that of Mr. Duffy in 1836, in his sixty-
fifth year. Their son James was born in Mari.tta,
Sept. 16, 1818, where the uneventful years of his
childhood were spent, in the enjoyment of such liui-
iled educational advantages as the public schoul of
the neighborhood afforded. The boatman's cralt > -i
the Susquehanna River at that early day oftercl the
most inviting fiehl to young men residing along its
shores, and here the young man sought occupation,
first as a hand, next us steersman, from which he rose
to the rank of pilot. He continued thus employed
until 1846, and the following year made a trip to Ku
rope. In 1848 he established a line of boats for the :,
purpose of transi)orting coal from Pottsville to New
York, in the interests of the Schuylkill Navigation
Company. In connection with James Mehaffy, a son
5^^^^
"^^^^yc/ ^z<^^^
BOROUGH OF MARIETTA.
643
of his father's former partner in his land operations
in Marietta, he embarked in the lumber business,
which was continued until 1865. Mr. Duffy was mar-
ried on the 8tli of September, 1863, to Miss Martha,
daughter of John Park, of Marietta. Their children
are Jo.se])hine, Catherine (deceased), James, Donald
Cameron, Thomas Bayard, John Park (deceased),
Martha Park, John Park, 2d (deceased), and one who
died in infancy.
In 1861, Mr. Duffy became a member of a firm en-
gaged in the transportation of government supplies
to the forts in New Mexico and the West, including
Salt Lake,"an enterprise involving many millions of
dollars a year and the labor of thirty thousand oxen.
• He was tiius actively interested for a period of seven
years, after which he retired from business, and has
nince devoted his attention principally to his landed
investments, and won a reputation as the most exten-
sive tobacco-grower in the State. lu 1877 he became
interested in the Marietta Hollow-ware and Enamel-
ling Company, in which he controls one-half the cap-
ital stock. He was, in 187&, appointed one of the
Commissioners of Fisheries for the State of Penhsyl-
vania, and has since been one of the chief promoters
of fish culture throughout the State.
He has also been largely identified with the growth
«nd development of the township and borough of his
residence. He is an earnest sympathizer with all
public improvements, and a director of the Bald
Eagle Valley Railroad. Mr. Duffy in politics afiili-
ates with the Democracy, though indifferent to the
honors which are the reward of party service. His
associations are not confined within the limits of his
own county, both business and social matters having
led to an intimate acquaintance with men eminent in
political, financial, and educational circles. His
house is the centre of a liberal hospitality, and the
resort of men of distinction, irrespective of creed or
party.
Mr. Duffy was educated in the Roman Catholic
faith, of which he is a supporter, though a willing
contributor to other religious denominations.
KENRY MU.SSELMAN.
The Musselman family may be classed as Ppnnsyl-
Tania German, its representatives having for genera-
tions resided in the State. The parents of Henry
were Henry and Magdalena Musselman. Their son,
Henry, was born in Lancaster township, where his
father was a successful farmer, on the 4tli of October,
1798, his early life having been spent within the
bounds of the county at Silver Spring. On reaching
manhood he removed to Mount Joy, and engaged in
uieM.'antiie pursuits, and later embarked in the for-
warding business in connection with John Patterson.
After a residence of several years at Mount Joy he
removed to Marietta; and during the year 1848, with
Dr. Shoenberger, of Pittsburgii, erected an extensive
furnace. On the death of the latter Henry Watts
became a partner in the enterprise. In 1849 another
furnace was built, and ultimately a third under the
auspk;ea of Henry Musselman & Sons, the property
having been disposed of on the death of the members
of the lafter firm. Henry Musselman was first mar-
ried to a Miss Rohrer, to whom were born three sons,
— John, David, and Christian. By a second marriage,
on the 23d of December, 1830, to Miss Anna B.,
daughter of Abram and Barbara Hackman, of Mount
j Joy, there were five children, — Abram H., whose
! birth occurred Nov. 30, 1831, in Mount Joy, and his
death Feb. 14, 1877 ; Samuel, who was born Sept. 5,
1835, and died Nov. 14, 1874; Henry S., born Aug.
10, 1843, who died April 6, 1870, in Baden, Germany,
where he had gone to perfect himself in the study of
medicine; Anna M., born Juue 12, 1839, and one
who died in early life. Abram H. Musselman was
one of the most active meu in the iron business, and
universally esteemed as a genjal, kind-hearted, and
enterprising gentleman. He aided largely in the
improvement of the village, which he made his home,
and was especially zealous for the welfare of the
workmen, in his employ, to whom his death was a
sad calamity.
Samuel Musseluiau was a man of no less energy
and public spirit, and contributed largely by his
j ability to the success of the industry in which he was
engaged. In his intercourse with his fellows he was
courteous, kind, and generous, and justly won for
himself the appellation, " the noblest work of God,"
an honest man.
The subject of this sketch was in politics formerly
an Old-Line Whig, and subsequently a Republican,
though rarely interesting himself beyond the casting
of his ballot in the political issues of the day. He
was a liberal contributor to all worthy religious ob-
jects, though not connected with any denomination.
Mr. Musselnian's_death occurred Dec. 6, 1875, in his
seventy-eighth year. This portrait and biographical
sketch are inserted by his wife as a tribute of affec-
tionate regard.
I>.\VID COOK.
David Cook was born in 1750, upon the farm upon
which he laid out the town of New Haven, and died
at Hagerstown, Md., June 12, 1824. His grandfather,
James Cook, was one of the pioneer settlers in Done-
gal township, who died in 1741, leaving a widow,
Elizabeth, and the following children : Thomas, David
(father of the subject of this sketch), James, Edward,
Joseph, John, Catherine, Jean, and Margaret.
David, the second son of James, and the father of
the subject of this sketch, owned and resided upon
the farm at Marietta. He died in 1787, and left a
wife, Martha, and the following-named children:
John (who married Elizabeth Tettle, Sept. 5, 1780),
David, Samuel, Grace R., Pedan, and James.
David, married Mary (1766-1820), daughter of
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Colin McFarquahr, the minisster of the Presbyterian
Church at Donegal. He was a justice of the peace
for many years. He was an amiable and most worthy
citizen.
J.\MFS MEHAFFY.
James Mehaffy was one of the pioneer settlers,
and came to Anderson's Ferry about the year 1804.
When David Cook laid out New Haven he purchased !
a lot, erected a house, and opened a store. He moved !
to Waterford in 1807, where he also was assessed as a
store-keeper, and he also commenced the purchase of
lumber until he accumulated a large stock. During
his time he was the most successful of all the business
men in the place. He was the only prominent per-
son in the town who was not ruined by the financial
crash which followed the war of 1812. Although his
lo.sses were heavy, he gradually accumulated a large
estate. He built and resided in the dwelling now
owned by 8imou S. Nagle.
HENRY CASSEL.
Henry Cassel was born near the junction of Back
Kun and Big Chikis Creek, in Rapho township, at
the base of the northeastern slope of Sporting Hill,
on the 12th of March, 1776. His grandfather, Abra-
ham Cassel, settled at this place in the year 1750,
where he built a grist-mill. His son, Abraham, was
born there, and on the 18th day of April, 1775, he
married Esther Weiss. They had the following chil-
dren : Henry, born March 12, 1776, the subject of
this sketch; Maria, born Dec. 13, 177'J ; and Abra-
ham, born Dec. 14, 1782.
Henry Cassel, being the oldest son, got the home-
stead and mill, where he carried on an extensive busi-
ness for several years. Having married Catharine,
daughter of John Neft", Esq., of Hempfield, who ob-
tained by inheritance the farm at the eastern limits
of Marietta, removed to that place several years be-
fore either Waterford or New Haven were laid out.
He was the first person along the river that did a
commission business. He received immense quanti-
ties of flour, grain, whiskey, lumber, and stone-coal,
which he shipped to Port Deposit in arks; t|hence to
Baltimore, which he sold for other parties, charging
a commission of five per cent.
WILLIAM CHILDS.
William Childs was a hatter by trade. His incli-
nation led him to follow other pursuits more cun-
gi'iiliil to his taste, for which his abilities seemed bet-
ter adapted. He was engaged for some years in the
lumber and coal business. He was cashier of the
Marietta Bank for two or three years, and after its
failure he was appointed a justice of the peace, an
ollice he held for many years. He was one of the
best scriveners in the county, and it was safe to I
cept his opinion upon any law question submitted to '
him. His dwelling stood where the Marietta BHnk
is, OH Market Street. He died about forty years ago,
aged eighty years, leaving a family of several chil'
dren.
REV. ABRAHAM H. LONG.
Rev. Abraham H.' Long was born in East Don«^
gal township, Lancaster Co., April 5, 1823. Eil
jjarents were Mennonites. His grandfather, Hertnaa
Long, was one of the early settlers of Lancaster
County. Rev. A. H. Long is a minister in th*
denomination known as " The Church of God." H^
entered the ministry in 1853, and has been pastor of
the Churches of God in Maytown, Bainbridge, Elif-
abetlitown. Mount Joy, Rohrerstown, and Landi»-
ville. He has also served a number of churches io
Cumberland and other counties, and preached two
years in Wooster, Ohio. He has also published t
volume of sermons. The book is entitled " Popuiir
Semons." He has preached nearly five thousand
SAMUEL HOUSTON. - .;■'.,
Dr. Samuel Houston came to the place about tht ;
close of the war of 1812, and commenced the prac-
tice of medicine. He was an ardent supporter of tho
war, and opposed the Federal party witli great bitter-
ness. He was a candidate for the State Senate, bat
was defeated. A violent personal warfare was made
upon him in the Federal newspapers. He engaged
in the river business, and purchased great quantitiei
of stone-coal, provisions, grain, flour, and whiskey,
which he stored upon the river-bank and in large
warehouses. He shipped these articles in arks whicli
ran down the river to Port Deposit, thence transferred
to schooners and taken to Baltimore.
He opposed Jiiekson's election in 1824 and supported
Adams', and when the Aiiti-Masonic party came
into existence he became one of its leading meni-^
bers. That party nominated him for the State Senate
when York was attached to Lancaster in the seua-
torial district, and was defeated by Mr. Caldwell, the
Democratic candidate. He was an intimate and warm
friend of Thaddeus Stevens, and, like him, hated
human slavery, and was a sincere friend of the op-
pressed. He employed colored men whenever he
could, and often he not only gave fugitive slaves em-
ployment, but when danger threatened them with a
return to bondage, he either concealed them in the
neighborhood or sent them on the " Underground
Railroad" to a place of safety. He was able and
ready at all times to discuss with an opponent the
most radical views, and was not only gifted with
moral courage but physical also. He built and re-.
sided in the large two-story brick dwelling at the
northwest corner of Market Square. But one daugh-
ter and son survive him.
BOROUGH OP MARIETTA.
645
ELIJAH RUSSELL.
Capt. Elijah Russell was in the war of 1812, and
came to Marietta about the year 1812 and embarked
in the mercantile business and prospered for some
years, but finally lost heavily. He married a daughter
of Anthony Haines, who owned the Anderson farm.
While on his way to York borough, via Vinegar's
■ Ferry, he was thrown from his horse, and died in a
few days from the injuries he then received. He left
no cliildren surviving him.
and best-read citizens in the place, and had also' a
fondness for a niilitdry life, and commanded the
Donegal Rangers for several years. He was an agree-
able and fine conversationalist, and his society was
much sought after by those who could appreciate hia
good qualities. He had many friends, who were
warmly attached to him. When a member of the
Legislature he was the first person to introduce the
name of Andrew Jackson into the politics of the
State in connection with the Presidency. He died
about forty-five years ago, and was buried with the
DAVID RINEIIART.
David Rinehart came from Chester County about
the year 1812 and was apprenticed to learn the car-
penter trade, and attained his majority about the year
1813. In the following year he enlisted in Capt.
Jaciib Grosh's company and marched to Marcus
Hook. He engaged in the lumber business at Mari-
etta and also at Port Deposit. His residence was
situated on Front Street, near Elbow Lane, and ad-
Joining the " Compass and Square," a tavern kept by
Jauied Stackhouse, the old river pilot, who had in his
e]ii[iloyment a young man named Jacob Tome, who
attended bar and was always ready and willing to do
any kind of work about tlie hotel in cases of emer-
gency. Mr. Rinehart noticed his industry -and dis-'
cerned qualities of mind which fitted him for a
higher sphere in the business walks of life. He took
him by the hand and ottered him the management
of his business at Port Deposit, Md., which he ac-
cepted. His success there was phenomenal, and it
was but a little while until Mr. Rinehart gave him
an interest in the business; and from that small be-
ginning, without any means of his own, he has be-
come a millionaire and one of the most ])rominent
men in Maryland.,
Mr. Rinehart was president of the Columbia
Bank and Bridge Company for many years, and oc-
cupied that honorable position to a period near the
close of his earthly career, when he relinquished all
business on account of poor health. He married a
daughter of Anthony Haines, by whom he luid one
sou, Edwin, who married a daughter of John Kline.
E. D. ROATH.
JOHN nuss.
Maj. John Huss was a member of Assembly for the
years 1823 and 1824. He came from Lancaster in
1813 and started the Pilot. AVhen the British burned
the capitol at Washington and were threateuing
Philadelphia, he assisted Capt. Grosh to raise a com-
piiny of volunteers, and as first lieutenant marched
with the company to Marcus Hook. He accepted a
position in the bank as clerk in 1817, and after the
failure of the bank he resumed the publication of the
lllol, but changed its name to the Pioneer. Mr. Huss
never married. He was one of the most intelligent
Eml. D. Roath was born in tlie city of Lancaster,
Pa., Oct. 4, 1S2U. When he was about four years of
I age his father died, leaving a widow and four sons,
I who moved soon after to the village of Maytown, in
wdiat is now East Donegal towpship. After having
qualified himself, young Eml. taught school horn
1846 to 18.54, and became one of the original members
of the Lancaster County Teachers' Institute, the first
meeting being held in Lancaster in January, 1853.
He subsequently settled in the borough of Marietta,
and in 1857 w\as elected to represent his district in
the State Legislature.
At the outbreak of the slaveholders' rebellion in
1861 he received orders from Governor Curtin to
raise a company for service in the Union army, which
was soon accomplished, when he was assigned to Col.
Zeigler's regiment, and became a part of the One
Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers,
marching to the front with ninety-eight men, and
served with distinction nearly four years. He par-
ticipated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Rappa-
hannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Bull Run (sec-
ond), Chantilly, where he was in command of the
regiment; Sout44 Mountain, where for cool bravery
he distinguished himself and command; Antietam,
where he was slightly wounded ; Frederick.sburg,
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cemetery Hill; com-
manded riffht wing at crossing of Rappahannock,
Aug. 1, 1863; commanded advance at Mine Run;
Spottsylvania Court-House, North Anna, Bethesda,
Richmond Road, Tolopotomy, Shady Grove Cliurch,
White-Oak Swamp, wdiere he was complimented by
commanding general; Norfolk and Petersburg Rail-
road ; Weldon Railroad, where he was taken prisoner,
Aug. 19, 1864, and was kept in the prison-pens of
Richmond, Salisbury, and Danville for six months,
when he was exchanged and sent to Annapolis, Md.,
where he was discharged by order of the War Depart-
ment March 5, 1865. While in the army he was hre-
vetted a major, lieutenant-colonel, and colonel for
meritorious services. Returning to his home in Mari-
etta, he w^as in 1866 elected by the Republicans t(t the
State Legislature, and subsequently a justice of the
peace, which position he still holds.
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
GEOROE n. ETTLA.
George H. Ettla, of Marietta, son of Conrad and
Anna B. Ettla, was born at Huinnielatown, Dauphin
Co., Pa., Aug. 15, 1832. He served from 1842 to
1850 as deputy collector in the Union Canal col-
lector's ofBce at IMiddletuwn, Pa. Came to Marietta
in 1854; has resided there ever since, during which
time he served four sessions in the Legislature, 1875-
78. During tlie late war was captain of Company
B, Two Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment. Has been
engaged, while in Marietta, in the lumber trade, fire
and life insurance business; at present is postmaster
and conducts a general fire insurance agency. His
parents died when he was but two years old.
CHAPTER XXXV.
ADAMSTOWN BOROUGH.'
Location, Railroad, Indians, Water, etc.— The
borough of Adamstown is situated in the northern
part of Lancaster County, adjoining Berks County
line, ten miles from Reading and twenty-one miles
from Lancaster, on the old stage route, laid out in
1772, formerly traveled by Eastern members of Con-
gress to a:id from Washington, D. C.
Its nearest railroad stations are Denver (Union),
Reinholt's, and Vinemount, from three to five miles
distant on the Reading and Columbia Railroad. The
mails are served twice daily, by stage arriving from
Denver in the morning at seveii o'clock, and in the
evening at five o'clock from Reading, thus enabling
the citizens to have mail communication with Lan-
caster, Reading, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New
York.
From old ruins and numerous relics found, in the
shape of stone axes, arrow-heads, and ornamental
work, it seems to indicate that an Indian village once
covered the site of the present town or close by.
The town has always been noted for its abundance
of pure sandstone water, which in many places gushes
out from the mountain slope on the north side of the
town, as also for its general healthfulness, being pro-
tected from the cold northwest winds, and unujiually
free, with rare exceptions, from bronchial or consuinp-
tive complaints.
The convenience of and purity of the water makes
this place superior to many others for manufacturing
purposes. The boilers are kept from sediment, re-
quiring less labor in cleansing, and last much longer.
Pioneer Settlers.— The first settlement dates back
jirior to the middle of the last century, and in 17()1
William Addams, the elder, laid out the town on a
general plan, consisting of twenty-eight lots of one
acre each, and twenty-nine lots of half an acre each.
By Hu
and then other lots adjacent, with a street of 1
perches wide running nearly east and west, and t
number of alleys to be fifteen feet wide. This t«rrl-
tory«occupies ground along the present Main Street,
so as to take in the lots of the present owners, to wit:
on the n'orth side from Andrew Gottshalk's to Samuel
Miller's, and on the south side from Cyrus Miller's to
Abram Raudenbush, Sr., inclusive.
After Mr. Addams had laid out the town and madt
a general plot or draft thereof he called it " Adan*
hurry," and entered into a written agreement on the \
4th day of July, 1761, with the following-named pe^ i
sons as purchasers and occupiers of the several lot!
therein designated: Frederick Fernsler, Jacob Baldt^
Balthazer Heining, Christopher Smith, Niclioltl
Fernsler, Nicholas Seltzinger, Abraham Shonauer,
Matthias Abber, Matthias Farntzler, Philip Brendel,
John Schwartz, Abraham Kern, John Moore, Peter •
Freisser, Jacob Freisser, Nicholas Yost, Thomu
Kern, George Feiser, Philip Heil, Franz HRhii, •
Isaac and Philip Moyer, Christian Richard, John ;
George Shoup, John Stall, Conrad Carroll, Jacob
Betz, Peter Negeley, Abraham Kern, Jr., Lorentl 1
Stephan, Cath. Zwalley, Ludwig Herring, Henry ,
Brendel, Ludwig Twinks, Martin Eicholts, Abraham i
Addams, Christian Hailing, Philip Breidensteio, •
Isaac Addams, William Addams, Jr., with whomh«<
stipulated to lay out the town aforesaid into sixty ':
lots, with streets and alleys, subject to a yearly
ground-rent of sixteen shillings per acre, Pennsylvt- |'
nia currency.
Lease of Lots in Adamsburry.— Subsequently, 1
in order to carry out the provisions and true intent
of the original agreement, and to provide each occa-
pier with proper titles, the said William Addams and
Ann, his wife, by indenture, did grant and confirm !
unto the said purchasers of lots, their heirs and u- ,
signs forever, the said certain lotof ground as num-
bered and desntibed, "situate in (then) Cocalico '
township, in the county of Lancaster aforesaid, in
the town called ' Adamsburry,' with a clause or pro-
viso, called 'Memorandum,' that it is covenanted
and agreed upon, by and between the two partiei
hereof tiiat the said (purchaser's name), his heirt
and assigns, shall, at his or their own proper cost and
charges, make, erect, build, and finish on the said
|iremises, within the term of two years from the date
hereof, a good, substantial dwelling-house, twenty
by sixteen feet at least, with a good chimney of stone
or brick, cemented with lime and sand; and, further,
that the said ( }, his heirs and assigns, shall pay
therefor and thereout unto the said William Addamt,
his heirs and assigns, at the town of Adamsburry, on
the twenty-sixth day of June yearly, forever here-
after, the rent of sixteen shillings (if the lot contained
one acre, and eight shillings when it contained but
lialf an acre), lawful money of Pennsylvania: Pro-
vided always, nevertheless, that if the said yearly
rent, or any part thereof, shall happen to be behind
ADAMSTOWN BOROUGH.
047
and unpaid by the space of sixty days next after any
of the days of payment on which the same ought to
be paid as aforesaid, that then it sliall and may be
lawful to and for the said Addams, his heirs and as-
signs, or any of them, into tlie said premises with the
appurtenances to enter and distrain for tliesaid yearly
rent, and the distress and distresses then and there
80 found to lead, drive, and carry away and impound,
and impounded to detain until the said yearly rent be
fully paid and satisfied.
" Provided, further, that if no distress can be found
upon said premises, that then it shall and may be
lawful to and for the said William Addams, his heirs
and assigns, into all and singular the hereby granted
premises with the appurtenances, or into any part
thereof, in the name of the whole, wholly to re-enter,
and the same to have again, repossess, and enjoy, as
if tliese presents had never been executed."
The Addams Family.— William Addams, the
founder of Adamstown, died in November, 1772,
leaving a widow, Anna, and five sons, named Abra-
ham, Samuel, Richard, William, and Isaac, and a
daughter married to John Witman. He also left con-
eiderable property in and about the vicinity of Adams-
town, consisting of a mill and farming lands, as well
as the aforesaid town lots. As early as the 1st of
August, A.D. 1739, a patent was issued by the com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania to William Bird, an iron-
master, for three hundred and fifty-six acres of land,
including what was then known as " Addams' Mill,"
then as now supposed to contain iron ore, and on
March 26, 1747, the said William Rird and Bridget,
liis wife, sold the same to Christopher Witman. The
latter and Barbara, his wife, on the 27th day of
April, 1749, sold two liundred and forty-six acres
thereof unto the said William Addams, who lived out
of the town on a portion thereof, and gave lots to his
four sons, — Abraham, Samuel, Riciiard,and William.
To Isaac, the youngest, he gave lota Nos. 31, 32, and
61. The first-named three sons afterwards transferred
their riglits and title to said lots unto their brother
William for three hundred and thirty pounds. Isaac
also got the mansion farm and one hundred and
thirty-seven acres adjoining the village of Adams-
town.
William Addams, the founder, was of English, and
his wife, Anna, of German descent. Their descend-
ants are very numerously found in the counties of
Lancaster, Berks, Lebanon, Schuylkill, Dauphin,
Cumberland, Perry, and other counties in Pennsyl-
vania, as well as in the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illi-
nois, Iowa, Missouri, and Oregon.
William Addams, one of the five sons, died in 1774,
leaving a <vidow named Barbara, and a son also named
William, who was a minor, to whom he bequeathed
the whole of his estate, should he arrive at the age of
twenty-one years; but in ca,?e of his death before
arriving at said age, one-half of his estate should go
to his said wi<iow, Barbara, and the remainder to his
four brothers, — Abraham, Samuel, Richard, and Isaac.
William, the younger, died in his minority, and Isaac
afterwards married Barbara, the widow of his late
brothe^r William.
The said Abraham, Samuel, Isaac, and Barbara, on
the 19th day of April, a.d. 1810, conveyed all their
right, title, and interest in the same unto the said
Richard Addams, who died in 1816, leaving a widow
named Susannah and eight children, viz.: INIary,
intermarried with Rudolph Heberling; Anna, inter-
married with Jacob Flickinger; Margaretta, inter-
married with Henry Flickinger ; Susanna, intermar-
ried with John Fisher; Magdalena, intermarried with
John Bechtel; William, who inherited the farm;
Catherine, single woman ; Elizabeth, intermarried
with Peter Musser. To these named seven daughters
was bequeathed all the interests in and to the original
ground-rents.
To William Addams descended the Addams farm
(formerly owned by his uncle, Isaac), and by him
owned and occupied until 1852, when he died and
left it to his two sons, the Rev. Jacob Addams,
deceased, and his brother, Isaac. The latter is
still living near Leesport, Berks Co., Pa. The two
brothers partitioned the farm, the latter taking the
old mansion and part of the land, the former the
balance of farm, added to the dwelling he had for-
merly built for himself as a residence close by.
But few of the descendants of Richard Addams
are now living in the borough, the only ones being
Mr. John JIusser, retired merchant, who is a grand-
son, his sister, Susannah Musser, Jonathan Flick-
inger and John Fisher, great-grandsons, and Maggie
Billingfelt (wife of E. Billingfelt), a great-grand-
daughter.
Isaac Addams, who was the youngest son of the
founder of Adamstown, and brother of Richard
Addams, left six sons, viz. : William, who represented
Berks County in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Con-
gresses ; John, \Hio commanded a brigade of the
Pennsylvania militia during the war of 1812; Isaac,
Samuel, Peter, and Abraham. The latter's daughter,
Ann Eliza Addams, married Jacob Beaver, whose son.
Gen. James Addams- Beaver, the gallant one-legged
Union soldier, was the Republican candidate for
Governor during the election campaign of 1882. A
combiiuition of circumstances brought three candi-
dates into the field (two Republicans) for the same
oHice, thus rendering the defeat of Gen. Beaver in-
evitable.
Present Owners of Ground-Rents.— Tlie several
lots of ground are still sold and held subject to said
yearly ground-rent, which is annually collected and
paid to the proprietors, successors, or present owners.
By will and divers conveyances the proprietary right
became vested in Richard Addams, one of the five
sons of the founder, and after his decease, which oc-
curred in 1816, his proprietary right was sold at pub-
lic sale by liis executors, William .Vddamsand Henry
648
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Flickinger, and bought by Rudolph Heberling, a
son-in-law, and the interest therein divided among
heirs or daughters of said deceased in equal shares.
The said shares were owned in 1883 by the following
parties: The lieirs of Magdalena Bechtel, deceased,
who was a daughter of the said Richard Addams,
one share; the heirs of Anna Flickinger, deceased, '
also a daughter, one share ; Susan Musser, a grand- |
daughter, three shares ; estate of Solomon Regar, j
deceased, purchaser of Mr. Heberling's interest, one
share; and Frederick T. Zeigler, purchaser of the
share formerly owned by Henry Flickinger, Sr., de- |
ceased, one share. j
When incorporated its population numbered three j
hundred, and in 1880, according to the last census,
eight hundred and one. [
The territory occupied contains about three hun-
dred acres, and was taken mainly from the township
of East Cocalico, the balance from Brecknock town- j
ship, Lancaster Co.
Incorporation of the Boroug^h.— The borough of
Adamstown was incorporated by a special act of the
Legislature April 2, 1850, and is embraced in the fol-
lowing survey : Beginning at Adams' Spring, in Berks
County, and running N. 591° W. 95.5 perches to
Ruth's Spring; thence S. 55J° W. 192 perches to
Good's Spring; thence S. 51?° W. 157 perches to
corner of Heft and Regar's land ; thence S. 54° E.
113 perches to a willow-tree standing on the bank of
Adamstown Branch of Muddy Run; thence N. 601°
E. 320 perches to Storie and Gehman's line; thence
N. 4]° W. 65.2 perches to place of beginning in
Berks County.
The act of the Legislature erecting the borough
authorized the election of the following borough
officers, viz. : One chief burgess, three councilmen,
three school directors, one justice of the peace, one
constable, one street commissioner, one assessor, two
assistant assessors, one auditor, and a board of elec-
tion officers. Having secured all the powers and
privileges of a borough, the people soon became in-
different about borough matters, the autiiorities
having but limited powers, until the spring of 1875,
when a new rec/ime was inaugurated ; application
was made to the proper authorities, when the privi-
leges allowed by the act of the Legislature of 1851,
and a supplement in 1871, was e.xtended io! Adams-
town borough, and si.x councilmen and si.x school
directors and two justices of the peace, instead of
three, were to be elected. ■
Up to that time, 1875, the borough records give no
satisfactory list of officers. Since then they have
been as follows:
B(-RO?fl«.-il875-7f!, Willlani A. Neibel; 1877-78 and 1881, Henry U.
SI.,ik ; 1879, llejirj Kilcljlhorne ; 1880, Jucob Fitcblliorue; 1882-83,
GiiurKf Tiullnian.
Tow.N Cuvscir..— 1875, .Jacob Fitchthorne, Benjamin Steffy, Isaac Sow-
ers, Heniy Haller, Sr (only four «ounciliiieu Ihiayeiir); 1870, Jacob
Filcl.lhuro.s Ilunrj H. Miller, Benjamin Sletfy, EJwaril Kee^r.
George Bullman; 1877, Henry Fitchthorne, William M. Krick, Wil-
liam M. Hyman, Edward Regar, David Landls ; 1878, David Lanrtis,
Joshua Spaectz. William M. Hyman, Edward Smith, Henry Fitch
thorne; 1879, Edward Regar, Samuel Regar, Benjamin Sti-ffy
drew jr Goltshall, Edward Smith ; 1880, Andrew 51. Goltshall
liam M. Hyman, William R. Stork, William R. Redcay, Jr., Natlmn
• F. Hartmau; 1S81, Michael Smith, Sr., William F. Regar, Jr, B M.
Artz, Cynis Miller, Benjamiu Steffy; 1882, Henry Bicber, Sanmol
IS Sloat, Juhn Zerbe, Angmlus Regar, Richard Trostle, llarrisua
Biriidel; InSI, Henry Seigfieid, Henry Bucher, David Lorah, Au-
gustus Regar, Jubn Zerbe, Richard Trostle.
Town Ci.erk.— 1S75-81, W. W. Fetter; 1882, Franklin Woods; 1883,8.
J. ColJern.
In 1883 the assessor for the borough was AVilliani
Knauer; assistant assessors were Levi C. Schnader
and William Bicher; Constable, Cyrus Miller; Au-
ditor, R. M. Hyman ; Treasurer, Levi C. Schnader.
Educational— On the 14th day of February, 1814,
John Frymeyer and his wife, Catharine, by their in-
dentnre, did grant and confirm unto Henry Flicker-
ing and William Addams, and theirsuccessors forever,
a tract of land situate in Adamstown, " in trust to
and for the use and behoof of the inhabitants of
Adamstown and its vicinity, and their successors, foi
a site or place for erecting churches and houses of
religious worship, school-houses and almshouses, and
burying-grounds. etc., and the said trustees shall, as
soon as conveniently may be, at the cost and expense
of the neighbors and those who wish to contribute
thereto, erect and build, or cause to be erected and
built on the said premises, a house or houses suitable
and convenient for keeping or teaching a school for
the education of childre?n and grown persons of all de^
nominations whatever that may be desirous of being
taught there, for which purpose they shall, with the
approbation of the neighbors and contributors, and
at the expense of those who send children to be
taught or choose to be taught themselves, find and
provide a good teacher, if such can conveniently be
had, to superintend the school, and shall prevent any
other use or occupancy to be made of the lot and
premises tlnin what is necessary for the school and
teachers for tlTfe time being; and in case of the death
or incapacity of the said trustees to act, the neigh-
bors and contributors shall choose their succes.snrs
and fill the vacancies that may arise."
In order to avail themselves of the privileges
granted in the aforesaid trust, the citizens of Adams-
town and vicinity for miles around, by their assistance
and contributions, soon thereafter erected a modest
one-story stone scliool-iiouse, the dimension.s being
about twenty-five by twenty-five feet, employed a
teacher, who was so well patronized that at times the
capacity of the building was almost too small to hold
all the pupils, during the winter months upwards
of seventy being regularly in attendance with but
one teacher. The lot upon wliicli the school-hnnse
was built being well covered with heavy timhcr, and
coal as fuel not then in use, the larger and older boys
of the scholars had to fell trees, cut and split wood
between hours, which was used as fuel in a large ten-
plated stove of the " George Ege pattern."
ADAMSTOWN BOROUGH.
Of tlie earliest teachers in the school were Messrs.
Stilhvell, Yerkes, Spayd, McDowell, Lightner, Proud-
foot, Zimmerman, Dewees, McDoiiough, and otliers.
Ill the year 1855 a new two-story stone school-
house, thirty by thirty-six feet, was built near the
site of the old one, and near the upper end of what is
now Broad Street, and two schools established therein.
This house gave place in 1878 to a two-story brick
structure, which was destroyed by fire early in the
morning of Dec. 13, 1881. This building stood a few
rods east of its predecessors, and upon the same foun-
dation was erected in 1882 the present beautiful two-
story school building, containing four well-arranged
and well-ventilated school-rooms, three of which are
occupied by the schools of the borough, with Frank-
lin Wood as jirincipal, a.ssisted by H. W. Harrah and
Miss Ida V. Scheats.
The first teachers of the borough schools under the
free-school system wore Christian Lichty, E. Billing-
felt, and .\braham Lutz.
The school directors of the borough for 1852 were
Henry Miller, Henry Staufer, and Benjamin K.
Shirk. Between that time and 1857 the name of
Rev. Benjamin Adams appears as one of the school
board.
The borough record furnish the following school
directors for the borough :
1857.-H9iir
1. II II R. Shirk, Henry Fichthorli.
illir, n..in V Sl.inrer, Henry Ficlilhoru.
1 Lutz, Houry Shuirfr. Henry Ficlithorn.
I Liilz, Lu.Uvi- T Custer, Hunry Ficlithorn.
I I.iilz. I.uilwic T. Custor, Dr. \V. llnrvey Hartzell,
, E.iw.ird H. Col.ir»n, Henry G. Mc.hn.
ulz, Ludwig T. Ouster, George Uollnian, Ricliani
1 It CoUlren, Henry G. M..I111.
F, H. Col.lri
L. T
iLCiisioneil by tlie resignation of George Bollnia
:il, when George Bollnian was elected for one ye
to fill 1
1880.-W. W. Fetter, E. H. Coldren, H. n. Redcny, Henry Seigfried, |
Joshua Spatz. L. C. Schnn.ler. Mr. Seigfried resigned, when Wil- j
1881.-George Bollnmn, E. U. Coldren, Henry Regar, W. W. Feller, |
Joshua Spatz, and Henry A. Shirk for one year.
1682.-G. Bollnian, E. H. Coldren, Henry Regar, W. W. Fetter, Joshua
Spalz, Nathan F. Hartniau. Mr. Spatz resigned, and H. A. Shirk
was elected by the board to (ill vacancy. BIr Itegar resigned, when
the board elected Cyrus Miller for one year. Mr. Hartniiin removed
from Uio district, when the board elected William R. Slote to till
vacancy.
Ig83.— 0. li.llinan, E. II, Colilren, 11. K. lU-dciiy, Samuel K. Staufer,
Church of the Evangelical Association.— In the
earlier days of Ailainstown religicms worship was
bold in the pioneer school-house by itinerant preach-
ers and others, and about the year 1840 the Evangrli-
cal Association sent their ministers to this place, w ho
frequently held divine service in the school-liou-e,
and soon made such a favorable impression upon
niitny of the inhabitants that many converts were
gtiined for their form of service and the doctrines
taujjlit by them. Much has been done in the few in-
tervening years to establish true religion in the hearts
of many^old and young citizens of this town.
This church w.os organized in 1845, and a stone
house of worship erected the same year on a plot of
ground on Broad Street, north of Main. Here the
congregation continued to worship till 1883, when, on
May 31st of that year, the old frame building was
taken down and the corner-stone removed.
In 1883 the church and congregation built their
present substantial brick edifice, forty-one by eighty
feet, on Main Street, at a cost of a little over seven thou-
sand dollars. The corner-stone was laid July 7, 1883,
by Rev. ■ Brown, of Reading, assisted by the pastor.
The building committee for the new house of worsliip
was H. (>. Mohn, president; D. R. Redcay, secretary ;
II. R. Stork, assistant secretary ; A. C. Snader, treas-
urer; and Levi Snader, Joshua Spatz, and A. R.
Bollman. The following-named persons comprised
the board of trustees in 1883: Joshua Spatz, presi-
dent ; H. R. Sloat, secretary ; Allen C. Snader, treas-
urer; and Henry G. Mohn and Levi Snader.
The missionary society of the church was organ-
ized in 1882, with the following-named otficers : A. R.
Bollman, president; H. K. Bucher, vice-president;
S. J. Coldren, secretary ; and Rev. A. Dilaba, past(jr
of the church.
The Sunday-school dates with that of the church,
and is officered as follows: W. W. Fetter, superin-
tendent ; Mrs. Agnes Bollman, assistant superintend-
ent; S. J. Coldren, secretary; A. R. Bollman, a.ssist-
ant secretary ; Henry G. Jlohn, treasurer ; S. R. Sloat,
librarian ; David R. Redcay, assistant librarian ; Sally
Bollman, organist; Dora Fitchthorn, assistant or-
ganist.
The officers of the Sunday-school Missionary So-
ciety for 1883 were W. \V. Fetter, president; S. J.
Coldren, secretary; H. G. Mohn, treasurer.
Burial-Places. — In 1769 a plot of ground in what
was in after-years tiie school land was inclosed to
be used as a burial-ground, in which many of the
older citizens of this town and vicinity lie buried, in-
cluding soldiers of the Revolutionary war. After the
erection of the Evangelical Church on Broad Street,
and a burial-place attached thereto, and the laying
out of a new cemetery by Hon. Esaias Billingfelt, ad-
joining the Evangelical burying-ground, no burials
have talcen place in the old school -house grounds.
Adamstown Council, No. 60, 0. TJ. A. M., was
instituted Nov. 4, ISiJ.j, with tlie following-named
chitrter .members: Henry Echtnacht, Samuel Styor,
E. H. Coldren, Henry B. Handel, Bunj.tmin SlelTy,
Henry R. Redcay, Joseph White, .-V. S. Raudenbush,
William Echlnacht, Henry Stauffer, Edward Smith,
Ephraim Haller, Solomon Good, Henry Seigfried,
Lewis Lutz, Samuel Prutzman, Jacob Fichthorn,
650
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Abrain Lutz, Jacob Beam, Barney Lutz, John Fitch-
thorn, Jdlin Artz, Jonatlian Swartz, John Schnader,
Jacob Kochel, and Samuel Stork.
The first Officers of the council were as follows :
Councilor, A. S. Raudenbush ; V. C, John Fich-
thorn ; Rec. Sec, Henry B. Hendel ; Asst. Rec. Sec,
Edward Coldren ; Fin. Sec, Abraham Lutz; Treas.,
Henry Echtenach ; L, Jacob Ficlithorn ; Ex., Samuel
Styer; I. P., Benjamin Steffy ; O. P., Joseph White; j
Jr. ExC, John Artz. 1
The following-named members were the committee
appointed to draft constitution and by-laws, which i
were adopted Jan. 25, 1866: Abraham Lutz, Henry |
B. Hendel, Jacob H. Fichthorn, Samuel Styer, and !
A. S. Raudenbush, committee.
The regular meetings of the council are lield on 1
Thursday evening of each week in its hall, over the |
store of Feeter & Prutzman. Present membership, j
eighteen. The present officers {August, 1883) are as j
follows: C, Samuel R. Sloat ; V. C, Henry K. j
Bucher; R. S., B. M. Artz; F. S., William K. |
Maurer; Treas., Henry Fichthorn; L, Jacob Fich- I
thorn; I. P., Benjamin Steffy; O. P., Richard Tros-
tle ; Trustees, Henry Bncher, Benjamin Steffy, and j
Lewis Lutz. ]
Post-Office. — Just who the pioneer postmaster was i
we are unalile to aay, but probably one of tlie Addams
fam.ily. However, in 1835, Henry Flickinger Wiis
the postmaster, and kept the office in his store. For
several years prior to 1880 the office was kept in the
hotel now kept by M. H. Clark. Nov. 29, 1880, Abra-
ham Lutz was appointed postmaster at Adamstown,
and at present keeps the office over the store of Snader
& Landis.
AcRAiiAsr Lutz was born in the village of Reams-
town, Lancaster Co., Pa., Aug. 3, 1831), and during
his minority he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker
in Phila.leiphia, Pa., and Oct. 9, 1855, he married
Jliss Fanny Rohrer, of Adamstown borough. Pa.,
who died in Adamstown, Sept. 27, 1880. From 1852
to 1864 he taught school in Adamstown, and the hit-
ter year was appointed an assistant revenue assessor
for Lancaster County, in which capacity he served
over six years. In 1865 he was elected one of the
school directors of Adamstown, and served as such
for fifteen years. In 1875 he was elected a justice of
the peace, and served one term, five years, after which j
he was appointed a notary public, which position he
resigned to accept the office of postmaster of Adams-
town in 1880, which he still holds.
Taverns— Pioneer and Later.— Of old'' taverns
there were three in number, kept many, many years
ago. " Redcay's," in early times, was known as Jacob
Schwartz's tavern, and kept at present by Morgan H.
Clark. " Rogers'" tavern, now occupied by Nathan
S. Ilartman as a private residence. "Rohrers'"
tavern was in the building, now owned by Nidiulas
Redcay, and ocaipied as tenements. Thu IduiIIi
tavern was started by Elias Redcay, Sr., who died
thirty-five years ago, and is kept at present by S. \V.
Miller.
Of these old hostelries, " Redcay's" was the favor-
it^ for sojourners stopping in town, when on their
way from Reading to Lancaster, and among tlie
patrotft who never passed here without stopping were
the McGrannis', McLane's, JIcGoverns', and many
others.
Among its early proprietors were Jacob Schwartz,
Dickinson, Clavenstein, Yerkes ; and, in 1820, Elias
Redcay bought and kept the same for thirty years,
when he sold to Jacob S. Shirk. His.brother, Henry
Shirk, became the proprietor, and was succeeded by
Benjamin E. Shirk, Samuel Styer, L. H. Evans,
.John R. Clark, and the present proprietor, ilorgau
H. Clark.
The " Rogers' ',' tavern was kept in turn by Samuel
Breneiser, Jacob Regar, Henry Regar, John Swei-
gert, Leonard Betz, Mr. Kaiser, Jesse Bitzer, Jacob
Spatz, Emanuel Frederick; Edward Stutenruth, Mar-
tin L. Weidner, Isaac Coldren, Franklin Knauer,
and others. This was an old tavern, and kept us
such as early as 1772.
Of " Rohrers' " tavern, kept some sixty years ago,
but little is known, and lacked the custom of the
traveling public to keep it long in existence.
Stores— Early and Later.— The pioneer store in
Adamstown was kept by Samuel Addams, a grandson
of the founder of the town, who commenced business
here about 1813, in an old log building standing on
the corner lot, and occupied by Henry Haller. Mr.
Addams subsequently sold his store to Henry Flick-
inger, Sr., who, in 1820, erected on the same lot u
large two-story stone dwelling, and store adjoining,
and continued the mercantile business till 1845 (liis
son, John Flickinger, being a partner during the
latter years), when the stock was sold to John Musser.
In 1848, Mr. Musser removed the goods into his new
building, on the opposite corner (where he at present
resides), and kept store there until 1876, when he soKi
his stock of goods to A. C. Snader and D. H. Landis,
who moved the same to the brick building erected by ]
Custer & Zeigler in 1876, where they still continue
the mercantile business under the firm-name of Sna-
der & Landis.
In 1818, a Mr. Jones started a store in opposition
to Flickinger, in an old liouiie then standing on the
site now occupied l)y the residence of William Red-
cay, Sr. 5Ir. Jones kept store but a short time, and
was sold out.
On the opposite corner, in 1827, Michael Kegerriea,
Jr., erected a large two-story stone dwelling, with
store attached. Mr. Kegerries died several years after.
His father, Michael Kegerries, succeeded his son in
the store, and was himself succeeded by Johti Cting-
ler, Esq. His successors in business have been Abi-
ram Kegerries, Henry Staufer, H. H. Miller, A. S. '
Raudenbush, William A. Niebel, William Artz, Peter
Gerret, William L. Masburgcr, and Rufus M. llynian.
ADAMSTOWN BOROUGH.
651
Molin's store-house was built in 187-, when he com- ]
menced the mercantile business, and continued till \
1881, when he sold his stock to Fetter & Prutzman,
who still continue the business of general merclian-
dising.
John I\ruHser, son of Peter IMusser, who was also a
native of this county, was born in Adamstown bor-
ough, June 12, 1815. When Mr. Musser arrived at
tlie age of twenty-two years, he married Miss Keziah
Miller, a daughter of Sebastian, one of Adamstown's
old and highly respected citizens. Soon after his
marriage, Mr,Musser went to Whitehall, now Rein-
holdsville, where he engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness, where he remained five years, when he returned
to Adamstown, and purchased the stock of goods of
Henry and John Flickinger, and continued the mer-
cantile business till 1876, when he sold his stock of
goods to Snader & Landis, and retired from active
service, having been in trade for a period of thirty-
six years continuously. In 1848, having built the
residence in which he now lives, he moved his stock
of goods into it, where for twenty-eight years he car-
ried on a business in which he gained the love and
esteem of all with whom he had dealings. He has
three children, — P. M., Kate, and Lizzie, all living.
Hat-Factories.— The principal industry of the
town is the manufacture of wool hats. The pioneer
liat-niaker of Adamstown was the late Jacob Fich-
tliorn, father of William and Philip and grandfather
of the older Fichthorns of Adamstown. William
Fichthorn and Levi Hendel were among the early
^liat-makers of this place. All these made their hats
by hand. The pioneer machine hat-maker was Ab-
salom Ruth, who operated his machinery by water-
power. The first to apply steam in the manufacture
of hats in this town were John, Jacob, and William
Fichthorn, who built a steam hat-factory on the creek,
adjoining the American Hotel property. The factory
was subsequently purchased by Levi Hendel, who
removed the building and machinery to his hat-fac-
tory, at the crossing of the I!i)WMian;sville and Lan-
caster and Reading roads.
The ne.xt steam hat-factory in Adamstown was by
Esaias Billingfelt, Isaac Sowers, and Henry Stautfer,
who, in 18i)G, converted the old distillery into a hat-fac-
tory, adding one story to its height, and making other
additions and improvements to the building. This
factory was purchased in 1876 by E. H. Coldren, the
present owner. The Hendel hat-factory at the Cross-
Roads was sold after Mr. Hendel's decease to Coldren
& Prutzman, and subsequently to other parties, and
was idle in 1883. The brick hat-factory now stand-
ing on Willow Street was built in 1875 by Henry II.
Miller, who also built a block of twelve dwellings on
Willow Street, and a first-class private residence on
Main Street. The Miller factory w.as idle in 1883.
Bollman's hat-factory was established in 187.'i l.y
George Bollman, and-in 1879 the buildings were .|.
atroyed by fire. In 1880, Mr. Bollman rebuilt, and
in 1883 his mill had a manufacturing capacity of
eighty dozen liats per day. An average of fifty per-
sons are given employment annually.
Coldj-en's hat-factory, located on Main Street, was
originally a distillery converted into a hat-factory in
18G6, and plirchased in 1876 by E. H. Coldren, the pres-
ent owner and operator. The capacity of this factory
is eighty dozen hats per day, and gives employment
to an average of fifty persons annually, — .S. J. Coldren,
foreman and book-keeper.
Fichthorn, Redcay & Co.'s hat-factory was estab-
lished in 1876 by Samuel Fichthorn, Daniel Redcay,
and Lud wig D. Custar, who gave employ men t to twenty
men. At present (1883) there are employed thirty
persons in the manufacture of hats, who turn out
sixty dozen per day.
Tanneries. — The first tannery in Adamstown was
established by George Gensamer about eighty years
ago, and in a few years thereafter sold the same to Se-
bastian Miller, Sr., who in 1822 erected on the premises
a large and commodious two-story stone mansion
house, wherein he resided and carried on the tannery
until the year 1844, the time of his death. His two
sons, Sebastian and Henry, then became the owners
and carried on the business in copartnership until
the year 1866, when Henry moved to Pine Grove and
engaged in the same business, leaving Sebastian sole
proprietor, who is still engaged in tanning.
A second tannery was established sixty-five years
ago, by Peter Richer, on a lot north of Kegerries'
store. He carried on the business till about the year
18 — , when he sold the establishment to Sebastian
Miller, Sr., by whom it was continued in connection
with his other establishment for a number of years,
when he discontinued the Richer tannery.
Distilleries. — In the early part of the present cen-
tury there were many distilleries for the manufacture
of "apple-jack" in the vicinity of Adamstown. All
of them, however, have gone out of existence, and
the ap|)le cro|) is being used for better purposes.
In 1800, Michael Kegerries erected a distillery in
Adamstown for the manufacture of corn and rye
whiskeys on the site now occupied by the extensive
wool-hat factory of E. H. Coldren, together with the
large stone house and barn adjacent, the latter being
built in 1809, and numerous other and necessary out-
buildings. Mr. Kegerries was at that time the owner
of the " Hill," or woodland, containing many acres,
situate to the north of the town, which by him was
divided into numerous lots, after having cut off most
of the timber, the wood of which he used as fuel in
carrying on the distillery. Said lots are now owned
by ditlerent parties, farmers and others, and are now
(1883) covered with a growth of first-class chestnut
rail timber.
In 1830, Michiiel Kegerries and Esther, his wife,
sold the distillery property and twenty-si.x acres of
land li> his son-in-law, John Echtenach, wli|) con-
tinued the business till 1855, when he sold the same
•652
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
to his step-brother, Henry Echtenach, who continued j
the business till 1864, when the last gallon of the ;
celebrated "Echtenach Rye Whiskey" was manu-
factured in Adanistown.
In 1805, Henry Echtenach sold the property there,
containing twenty-two acres, fronting nn both side-i
of Main Street, between Mohii's mill and the old
ground-rent lots, to E. Billiiigfelt.
In 18G6, Mr. Billingfelt sold a two-thirds interest
in the "old still-house building" and one-half acre
of land, with water privileges, unto Henry Staufer
and Isaac Sowers. The three jointly converted the
old distillery into a wool-hat factory with steam-
power and modern machinery. The hat-factory has
been vested in several owners until 1876, when it was
purchased by its present owner, E. H. Coldren.
The balance of the land fronting on Main Street
Mr. Billingfelt divided into building lots, and has
sold them to different parties, who erected thereon
more than a dozen first-class dwellings, also the steam
hat-fiictory of George Bollman and, in 1883, the new
brick Evangelical Cliurch edifice.
Grist-MiU.'— The grist-mill at what is now Adams-
town was built by Daniel Moore on the site of the
present mill. It was next owned by his son Daniel,
who was succeeded by Jacob Moore, and Slonre by
Abraham Kappis. The next owners were Sebas-
tian Miller and Philip Vanida. Miller was the
fatlier of the present Sebastian Miller, of Adams-
town. Vanida was at one time a member of the State
Legislature, and had a son named Philiji. The mill
was subsequently owned by Jucdli, a -en nl' IMiilip
Vanida, Sr. Tiie next owner w.,s William .Mohn,
father of H. G. Mohn, the prrsinl uwmr and opera-
tor. During this time the mill was twice rebuilt and
enlarged.
Stawfer's Cigar-Factory was established in 1875
by Samuel E. Stawfer, the present proprietor, with a
working force of one man and one woman. In 1883
his works had increased to the capacity of a working
force of two hundred persons, and a manufacturing
capacity of sixty thousand cigars per day.
The oldest cigar-factory in this town is that of C.
G. Mohn, who has been in the business about ten
years, and at present employs about twenty hands
annually. William Arts is also engaged in the liu-i-
ness, and- employs but few workmen.
Printing.— A job-printing oiBce was established in
Adanistown in 1873 by Abraham Lulz, who still
continues the business, in connection with his duties
as postmaster.
Adamstown, 1883.— In 1883 there were in Adams-
town one Evangelical Association Church, two hotels,
three stores. Fetter .^ Prutzman, Snuder .t Lan.lis,
and K, M. Ilyman ; two pliysieiaas. Kirhurd Sweitzer
and W. D. Fink; two blacksmiths, Benjamin Steffy
and Jacob Hain ; one cabinet-shop, by R. Reiher;
three woid-hat factories; three cigar-factories, and
;)o>J-olliee, with Aliram Lutz as postmaster.
up Ihc-iflii
B10G1L\PH1CAL SKETCHES.
SEB.^STIAN MILLER.
Sebastian Miller, the grandfather of Adamstown's
well-known citizen of that name, emigrated from
Germany to America prior to the Revolution, and
settled in Berks County, Pa., near Sinking Spring.
There he lived until his death. His son Sebastian
I born 1786) was apprenticed to the trade of a tanner
at Sinking Spring, and worked some time for his
brother John. He married Catharine Ruth, of Berks
I County, by whom he had eight children, of whom four
I are living, and shortly after his marriage removed
I to Adamstown, at which place he had purchased
! the tannery previously owned and operated by George
Gensamer. Mr. Miller was a man of sterling worth,
1 and ranked high in the estimation of his fellow-citi-
zens. He was industrious, careful, and thrifty in his
I business, and became a prosperous manufacturer.
He died in 1843, sincerely lamented, leaving his
[ business to his two sons, Sebastian and Henry.
I Sebastian Miller (last named) was born March 23,
1814. in .\damstown, upon the place he now occupies
as a home, and occupied also for years by his father
before liiiii. His early education was gained in the
village school, :ind when at the proper age he was
trained by his father iii the business of tanning.
Thus early in lite he received the valuable lessons
that self-reliant industry ever teaches, and so laid
I the foundation upon firm soil of the sturdy and ster-
i ling qualities thaj gave to him the success that came
I to him in later years. His close attention to busi-
ness and ready intelligence pushed him rapidly for-
' ward as a skilled tanner, and even when a young man
' he was an acknowledged master of his calling. Upon
the death of his father in 1843, he and his brother
Henry came into possession of the tannery, and ear-
ned it on together with much success until 18G6,
when Henry retired and removed to Pine Grove,
.■^ehuylkill Co. Since 1806 Sebastian has been
[ the sole jiroprietor of the tannery, and still con-
I ducts it with the same careful majiagement and
shrewd judgment that marked his early efforts. In
1840 he married Mary, daughter of Henry Regar, of
I Adamstown, well and long known in that section as
' a stocb dealer and landlord. Mr. Miller has for
twenty years been an active member of the Evangel-
ical Cliurch. Business has ever claimed his closest
and most earnest attention, and aside from serving
the borough as burgess several years, he has not per-
mitted himself to take any part in public life.
WAStllNGTON BOROUGH.
W. W. FETTlCll.
W. W. Fetter, leading merchant of Adamstown
boniugli, was born at llinkletown, Lancaster Co.,
Sept. 17, 1850. In Lancaster County his anoestr}'
goes back at least a hundred years. Until he reached
llie age of eighteen he remained at home, obtaining,
meanwhile, such educational advantages as the vil-
lage school ad'orded. That he improved those advan-
tages is manifest in the declaration that upon ending
his career as pupil he became himself a teacher. At
Muddy Creek, in East Cocalico township, he taught
two years, and for two years thereafter at Adams-
town. Oct. 19, 1872, he married Elmira, daughter of
Samuel Prutzman, of Adamstown, a- well-known
woolen hat manufacturer, who died March 5, 1878.
After his marriage Mr. Fetter worked at hat-making
in Adamstown for three years, and subsequently
taught school at Adamstown one year. In 1878 lie
was brought forward as the people's candidate for
borough justice of the peace, and elected by a hand-
some majority. His determination was to retire to
private life upon the conclusion of his terjn, but the
popular voice insisted upon his reacceptance of the
ullice, and against his desires he was again made the
citizens' candidate. A sharp contest followed, but
his popularity once more asserted itself in his re-
election in the spring of 1S83. As a warm advocate
and earnest worker in the cause of public education,
Mr. Fetter has long been in the front rank. In Feb-
ruary, 1880, he was chosen a member of the board of
borough school directors, and since that time has
likewise been secretary of the board. In school
matters he is alert and active, and serves with watch-
ful care and zealous fidelity the important interests
of that department. In Sunday-school work he has
for more than eight years been an important factor
and leader. In 1875 he was called to take charge of
the Sabbath-school of tlie Adauistown Evangelical
Church, and from that time to this he has been con-
tinuously its superintendent. Tlie school has a mem-
bership of two hundred scholars, and in its direction
Mr. Fetter has displayed administrative ability of no
cojnmon order, while in the development of harmony
and system he has brought the school to a high
standard, and made it a model of its kind.
From 187G to 1882 he served as clerk of the Town
Council, and in 1877 was largely instrumental in the
adoption of the measure that conferred upon Adams-
town the privileges of the act of 1851, whereby the
jurisdiction of the borough was enlarged. There was
Btrenuous opposition to the change, but Mr. Fetter
took the ground that the popular good demanded it,
and he accordingly devoted himself with unflagging
enurgy to wliat he considered his duty as a citizen.
The result proved long ago the wisdom of his course
and the value of the work he aimed at. During the
e.xistence of the Adamstown Press he was its jiuiidr
editor, and in the service of literature wielded a grace-
ful and trenchant pen, whose work won for him gen-
eral commendation. His opinions were the expres-
sion of carelul and deliberate thought, and gained
additional value because they were known to repre-
sent conscientious conviction. In 187G he represented
Adamstown borough in the Republican OountyCom-
mittee, and in that field, as in his other important
trusts, marked his course with competent judgment
and faithful adherence to his duty. In October, 1881,
he formed a |)artnership with Samuel Prutzman for
the purchase and conduct of the store business until
then carried on by Cyrus G. Mohn, and by his ener-
getic tact and pushing enterprise has placed the firm
in the front rank of Adamstown's merchants. In
1882 he was chosen a director of the Mohnsville
Building and Savings Association, and still serves.
The record herein briefly sketched tells in plain lan-
guage the story of an active and useful career. For
a young man Mr. Fetter has gained a record that not
many of his age can boast. Since the day when he
found himself able to take his place among meu, he
has been not only a worker but he has been likewise a
leader. He has never been content to follow merely,
but with a commendable ambition has striven to step
out of the beaten track and stand at the front when-
ever and wherever he felt the public good demanded
an earnest advocate. He is a firm apostle of the creed
of advanced thought, and believes in the theory of
actn
liters that tend to show
the value of intelligence and enterjirise. His aim
urges him to occupy a place as a usehil citizen, and
the common verdict is that none occu]iy it more fully.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
W.\S[IlN(iTON BOKDl'lill.i
Site, Limits, and Extent,— Washington borough
e.xtends a distance of one mile on the east bank of the
Susquehanna River, and is surrounded on its north,
cast, and south sides by Manor township. It is one
mile huig Iroiu north to Miuth, and one-fourth of a mile
wide Ironi ea^t to west, and is situated three miles
.south of Columbia. A full view is had of Columbia
and the river as far north as the bend just south of
Jlarietta, while a fine view is also had of the river to
the southward as far as the bend at the upper end of
Turkey Hill. There is a large and fertile island in
the river opposite Washington, and there are al.so
several small islands. The river is fordable at some
points here at certain times. The borough is divided
into two wards, corresponding to the two original vil-
lages of Washington and Charleston, the former vil-
lage now comprising the lower or sontherti ward, and
the latter the upper or northern ward. The borough
is bounded on the north by William Ortman's land.
1 By I. S. Clare.
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
On the east are the landa of William Ortnian, Wil-
liam Shertzer, William Siple, John Brush, Daniel
Kauffman, Levi Haverstick, and Jacob B. Shuman.
Isaac Shultz's farm — the old Blue Rock farm-
touches the borough line on the south. William
Ortman and Joiin Brush own many lots in the bor-
ough, and Isaac Shultz also owns several. The Co-
Uimbiaand Port Deposit Railroad, running along tlie
river entirely tlirougli the borough, was completed in
187(3. The population of Washington is now over
nine hundred, about one-half in each ward.
Present Condition. — Washington borough was
formed by consolidating the villages of Washington
and Charleston, and was legally incorporated by act
of Assembly, approved April 13, 1827. Wasliing-
ton village — originally Woodstock — was laid out by
Jacob Dritt, first before 1800, and afterward in 1811.
Cliarleston was laid out contemporaneously by Joseph
Charles. Years ago it was a flourisliing little town,
but it has since deteriorated, and only recently began
to improve. The principal business features are lum-
ber and fish. The inhabitants are generally an indus-
trious class of people, and nra,ny of them earn their
livelihood by piloting rafts down the river, and also
by farming tobacco. Washington borough has at
present two churches, Methodist Episcopal and
Church of God ; three schools, one graded and two
primary; two hotels, one a temperance house; two
stores, one blacksmith-shop and edge-tool factory, twc
cigar factories, one confectionery, one shoemaker-
shop, three carpenters, one plasterer, and two stone-
masons.
Past History of this Locality.— The upper part
of Charleston— that part north of the old Conesloga
Manor line now corresponding to the road leading
from Charleston to Lancaster— was a part of the tract
granted to Chartier, the Frencli Jesuit and Indian
trader, about one hundred and seventy-five years ago.
All the remainder of the borough territory formed a
part of the Conestoga Manor, as surveyed for the
Penn family by Jacob Taylor, surveyor-general in
1717-18. The lands on the site of the present bor-
ough of Washington were first surveyed in 1737, and
in addition to all tiie northwestern portion of the old
Conestoga Manor, in all about three thousand acres,
were for some time retained by the Penn taiiiily.
John Keagy afterward settled in that portion of the
Conestoga Manor, and sold much of his land to his
son-in-law, Charles Smith Sewell, of JNIaryland, who
sold this tract to other parties, as will presently be
Founding of Washington and Charleston.— On
June 1, 1810, Charles Hiuitli Sewell and Ann Catha-
rine, his wife, sold one hundred and ten acres to
Jacob Dritt, E:,t]., of Windsor township, York Co.,
Pa. There was a spring of water in the corner of
this tract. Upon this tract -Dritt laid out the l..wn
of Washington. He scdd lots June 11, 1810, to J.icul.
Habecker, distiller, and to Joseph Habecker, pump-
maker, one acre and eight perches, in lots which
came to the river.
On Jan. 11, 1811, Andrew Kauftinan, Esq., of Manor,
and Barbara, his wife, and Charles Smith Sewell and
George R. Stake, both of the same place, both house
and lot at corner of Lots Nos. G and 7, Lot No. 4 being
a part of the one hundred and ten acres wbicb Cbarles
Smith Sewell and Ann Catharine, his wife, sold to
Jacob Dritt, of Windsor township, York Co. Stake
sold to Sewell April 11, 1811.
On Sept. 10, 1811, John B. Haldeman, of Donegal,
and Ann, his wife, sold to Joseph Charles, of JIanor,
for six thousand five hundred dollars, a tract of one
hundred and thirty-four acres, beginning at the river.
This tract was part of four tracts, the one-half pari
j of which Jacob Gish, of Donegal, and Mary, his
I wife, sold to John B. Haldeman Dec. 17, 1808. By
j writ of partition the above-named tract was allotted
to John B. Haldeman in 1809. John B. Haldeman
: had married a daughter of John Stehman, who had
, owned the land.
! On the site of Washington the town of Woodstock
j had been laid out Jan. 8, 1807, as a " free port, situ-
! ated on the east bank of the Susquehanna River,
I near the Blue Rock, in Manor township, in Lancaster
I County." Jacob Dritt, Escp, of Windsor township,
I York Co., was the proprietor, and he advertised that
he had laid out a town containing three hundred lots,
e.Kclusive of four appropriated for public worship by
the Mennonite, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Jlora-
vian congregations, and one tor a market-house.
These lots were to be sold by lottery, and were ad-
vertised to be drawn Saturday, March 14, 1807,
tickets S — cash. The proprietor agreed to give eight
hundred dollars cash to the person who drew No. IG,
for the lot one thousand feet front granted to the
public on the river for landings. He obtained an act
of Assembly for the privilege of erecting a bridge
across the Susquejianna River at that place. A ferry
was also to be established here.
On July 15, 1811, Jacob Dritt laid out a town "on
the east bank of the Susquehanna River, near the
Blue Rock, in Manor township, Lancaster Co."
This town contained one hundred and twenty-two
luts, to be disposed of by lottery, each ticket to draw
a lot. This was the town of Woodstock of 1807, and
was now named Washington. The lottery took place
and all th|e lots were drawn. Mr. Dritt advertised
that he would meet the " adventurers" at the house
of Mrs. Jeffries, in Columbia, on the 17th and 18th
of May, 1811, and execute the titles for the lots. All
who resided in Lancaster or north of that place were
privileged to call on Henry Carpenter, surveyor, for
their titles after the above date. Jacob Dritt made a
will in 1815, and Jes,,- Roberts and tiamucl Bonliam
wjre appointed his administrators for the Washington
lots. Dritt was drowned while crussing the river in
a boat in 1822.
The town of Charleston, now constituting the upper
WASHINGTON BOROUGH.
655
ward of the borough of Washington, was laid out by
Josepli Cliarles, Jan. 4, 1811. It contained sixteen
acres, divided into forty-seven lots, sixty feet front,
with a spring at the south side. This town was in
Manor township, seven hundred feet along the east
hanks of the Susquehanna River, three miles south of
Columbia. The lots were laid out by Joseph Charles,
and were sixty by one hundred and eighty feet. The
wedge-shaped tract of land to the north of Charleston,
separating that village from that of Fairview, was
owned by a man named Scott, who afterwards sold
his land to the late Henry Ortman, and it is now
owned by the hitter's son, William Ortman.
Joseph Charles had bought the lower part of the I
tract upon which Charleston was built from John I
Stehman. He had bought the upper part from John I
B. Haldeman, of Donegal, who had married a daugh-
ter of Stehman, the previous owner of that tract.
That part of Charleston north of Lancaster Street
was laid out first. Joseph Charles advertised lots
Jan. 4 and Aug. 16, 1811. The lots were drawn by
lottery Sept. 6, 1811. and were assigned to lot-holders
Sept. 27, 1811. Un Oct. 6, 1811, one hundred and
forty-three parchment deeds were ordered. Joseph
Charles died in 1814. The bulk- of Charles' lots were
drawn by Chester County people, — the Greenes, the
Micheners, the Robertses and the Mendenhalls.
Early Progress— Washington Borough.— In the
several decade- alter their loundatiun, the villages of
Washington and Charleston made considerable pro-
gress, and many new buildings were erected. There
was great speculation in building and in buying and
selling lots from 1811 to 1820. This speculation was
prosperous for a time, and lots brouglit from twelve
hundred to fourteen hundred dollars ; but eventm^lly
disaster came, and many were reduced to bankruptcy
and ruin. The villages of Washington and Charles-
ton were incorporated as the borough of Washington
by act of Assembly, approved April 13, 1827. There
were not many new buildings from 1820 to 1860, and
there was a stagnation of about thirty years until
about the*time of the breaking out of the late war.
There has been some progress of late in building, and
the most substantial and costly buildings have been
erected in recent years. The best buildings have been
erected since 18G0. There have been more new build-
ings erected in the la>t five or >ix years than iji twenty
years before.
Washington, Past and Present— In the earlier
days of Washington — in the days of its prosperity —
its leading business men were Jesse Roberts, lumber-
man ; John Herr, Cieorge Brush, Joseph Green,
Rhinehart IMicbener, store-keepers; Joseph Shock,
and others.' Dr. Benjamin Green was a physician in
CJKirlcston about ISjll. There were then from twelve
to fourteen hotels in the town. The river was at tli^it
time, each spring, lined with rafts for four mile-, Mfl
these hotels were rec|Hiied for the accomniodatiioi ul
the raftsmen. In the days of Washington's pro>per-
ity there were a great number of coopers in the town,
where none are now to be found.
William Ortman, Isaac Sliultz, and John Brush,
the Matter two now residing outside the borough lim-
its, are the chief tobacco-growers. The Colunibia and
Port Deposit Railroad, which runs through the town,
along the river, was finished in 1870. The population
of the borough is now over nine liundred. Washing-
ton at present pays fifty dollars per month to each of
its three teachers, employing only such teachers as
hold permanent certificates or diplomas from normal
schools, and has a school term of six months in each
year. The present burgess of Washington is George
Roberts. The justices of the peace are Harvey Brush,
son of John Brush, and S. B. Urban. Joseph Miller,
store-keeper, is at present (1883) postmaster. The
leading citizens of Washington borough in recent
years have been William Ortman, tobacco farmer and
owner of a large pro|ierty in and north of the bor-
ough ; John Brush, justice of the peace for a long
time, and also school director and a large property-
owner in and out of the borough, now living just east
of the borough limits, on the road from Charleston to
Lancaster.
Present Business Men and Tradesmen.- John
Brush and William Ortman are large property-own-
ers in the borough. Drs. Binkley and Grey are prac-
ticing physicians. Andrew Kane keeps a hotel in the
Lower Ward, and Henry Wertz keeps a temperance
hotel and summer resort in the Upper Ward. The
business men and mechanics are Josepii Miller, store-
keeper and postmaster, and Charles Doerstler, store-
keepers; William Jlann, confectioner an<i tailor;
George Evans, shoemaker ; Lewis Green, Abram Kil-
liard, and Henry Kise, carpenters ; Enumucl Fishel,
plasterer; John D. Baker and Uriah Douglas, stone-
masons ; Henry Mellinger, blacksmith and edge-tool
manufacturer; A. G. Kise and Brown & Wilson,
cigar manufacturers. Levi Haverstick has a lumber-
yard and a sa\v- and planiiig-mill just north of the
borough limits, and Jo^el)h K. Shultz& Brother have
a coal- and lumber-yard just south of the borough, on
the Blue Rock I'arm, owned by his father, Isaac Shultz.
Lumber, Fishing, and Tobacco-Farming.— In
the old prosperous days of rafting the lumber trade
was the most active line of business in Washington,
and there were large lumber-yards in the place. In
the earlier days of ibis town Jesse Roberts was a large
lumber dealer. Atterwards Louis Urban had a large
lumber-yard. Other lumbermen were Washington
Wrighter, Daniel Nelf, and House & Shuman. From
about 1800 to 1875, Julius L. Shuman, who was elected
a member of the Legislature in 1873, had an extensive
lumber yard here. At pre-ent, Joseph K. Slniltz .t
Brother have a lumber- and loal-yard on their father's
Blue Ituck farm, just south of the bnrijugh limits.
Levi Haverstick has a steam -aw- and [ihuiing-niill,
and a lumber-yard just north of the borough liniif^.
Fishin;; has al-o been one of the means of earmni; a
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
livelihood by many residents of this place. Great
quantities of bass are caught, and they supply the
markets of Columbia, Lancaster, and the surrounding
country. As rafting began to decline, tobacco-l'arm-
ing became a means of support fur many of the citi-
zens nf this town. The most successful tobacco-
growers have been Isaac Shultz and his sons, William
Orcman, and John Brush, who have realized large
profits from the sale of their crops.
Rafting. — For a considerable period half a century
ago, wliLMi rafting was at its beiglit on the Susque-
hanna, Wasliington was an enterprising little town,
and was noted as a stopping-place for raftsmen.
There were then from twelve to lourteen hotels in
the place. The river in the vicinity was lined with
rafts for three or four miles. Timber and lumber
were bronglit down the river in rafts. Boards, shin-
gles, and laths were brought down the river in arks,
as were also wheat, oats, coal, and pig-iron, .\fter
1840 rafting gradually declined, and witliin the last
ten years very little has been done in that line of
business, once so conducive to the prosperity of
Washington borough, many of whose inliabitant^
earned their liveliliood by this occupation. Some of
the raftsmen took their horses and mules along on
the rafts for the pur|)ose of riding back to their
homes, while many walked when they returned.
Great Freshets. — Washington borough has suf-
fered at various times in the past from the destruc-
tive effects of ice and water-freshets. A water-freshet
in 1832 took away Jacob Manning's distillery. The
streets were covered with water sufhciently deep to
admit tiie sailing of l)oats. The ice freshet of 1873
also came U[) into the streets and caused considerable
damage.
Churches. — There are at present only two church
congregations in Washington borougli, — Methodist
Episcopal and Church of God. Tliere were at one
time in the past four denominations in the place, —
Methodist Episcopal, Church of God, Evangelical,
and Presbyterian. But the latter two congregations
have gradually dwindled down and ceased to exist.
The old Blue Presbyterian Church was built about
1S26, the building being put up by Israel Cooper.
For a long time the Presbyterians of Washington
borough worshiped in this building. The congrega-
tion of the Church of God in Washington at a later
period rented the church from tlie Presbyterians.
The building was hought by Mr. John Brush, and
torn down by him in 1861, after having for some
time been used as a tobacco-house. Tiie Evangelical
congregation in Washington borough built a frame
edifice for worship about 1838, the work being done
by JoAeph Stoner. The Evangelical congregation
gradually dwindling down, this building was also
purcliased by John Brush, and has likewise been
used as a tobacco-house. The Methodists of Wash-
ington erected a frame edifice for religious sen ice
about 1837, the building being put u\) by .John
Steiner. This building was torn down in 1848, and
a brick edifice was erected in its stead. It was re-
built in 1872. The congregation of the Cluirch of
God in Washington erected a house of worship in
1845, the work being done by Jacob Manning.- The
old edifice was torn down when the present one was
built.
General Character ofWashington.— Washington
and (Jhariestuii were regidarly laid out in streets and
alleys, and these remain as they were originally laid
out. The borough limits are mainly confined within
iracts laid out by Dritt and Charles in ISU. The old
buildings of the town are mostly frame structures, but
there have been some new substantial brick buildings
erected in recent years.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
STKASBUKG BOKOUiiH.'
The borough of Strasburg is located about nine
miles southeast of Lancaster City, with which it is
connected by an e.xcellent turnpike road. It is situ-
ated on an elevaK-d ridge of the richest limestone
soil, its greatest length from east to west being nearly
two miles, while its greatest width from north to south
is less than one-fourth of a mile. On account of its
peculiar situation tlie drainage of the town is natu-
rally very good, and the place is very healthy.
The history of Strasburg, owing to want of records
previous to its incorporation, must of necessiiy re-
njain hidden beneath the veil of obscurity. Tradi-
tion tells us that the first dwelling in the town was
built in or about the year 1733 by one Hoffman, and
that it soon became considerable of a village, fre-
quently passing oinder the name of Bettleliausen
(Beggar-houses).
By an act of Assembly passed March 13, 181(5, the
town of Strasburg was erected into the " Borough of
Strasburg, bounded and limited as follow.s, viz.: Be-
ginning at a slonc the corner of \Vidow Ilerr's land,
thence along laiuls of George Lefever and John
llowery south seventy-four degrees west two liundred
and six perches and eight-tenths of a perch to a
stone; thence along lands of John Howery north six-
teen degrees west forty-nine perches and a half of a
perch to a stone; thence along lands of John Kindig,
Widow Longenecker, Tobias Herr, and Henry Breck-
bill south seventy-four degrees west two hundred and
seventy-six perches and one-half of a perch to apost;
thence along lands of .fohn l\indig and John Breck-
bill south fifteen degrees and one-quarter of a di--i\o
east one hundred and thirty perclies toastone ; tlience
along lands of Jacob Fritz and John Funk north
Hy U. G. Book, Eaq.
STRASBURG BOROUGH.
657
seventy-four degrees east two hundred and thirtj'-
nine perches and one-third of ii perch to a stone ; j
tlience along hinds of said John Funk south seven-
teen degrees east thirty-nine perches and one-luilf of
a percli to a stone ; thence along Abraham Graff's
land north seventy-fivo degrees and three-fourths of a
degree east two linndred and forty perches and <ine-
lialf of a perch to a stone; thence along lands of
Widow Herr north fifteen degrees west one hundred
and twenty-nine perches and one-half of a perch to
the place of beginning."
According to the provisions of the second section
of the charter the qualified voters of the borough were
directed to meet at the public-house of Thomas Grau-
ford, in said borough, on the first Tuesday in April
ne.xt following, "and then and there, between the
hours of one and sl.x o'clock in the afternoon, elect by
ballot one citizen residing therein, who shall be styled
the chief burgess, and one other citizen who shall be
styled the assistant burgess, and seven citizens who
shall be styled a Town Council, and one citizen who
shall be styled the high constable, all of whiun shall
be residents of said borough."
From the minutes of the Council it is learned that
at said election the following officers were elected :
Chief Burgess, James Whitchill ; Assistant Burgess,
Jacob Miller; Town Council, Nathaniel W. Sample,
Thomas Crawford, John Connelly, Robert Spencer,
Peter Holl, Samuel Miller, and" William Ilange;
High Constable, John Marklcy. At the lirst meet-
ing of the Council, George Holfman was treasurer,
and Martin Fouts clerk.
The minutes of the Coiwicil as kept by the clerk,
Mr. Fouts, are a marvel of neatness and legibility.
The Council held its regular meetings at the public-
house of Thomas Crawford, on the mirlhwest court
(if Centre Sijuare, which has since been greatly en-
larged, and has for many years been occupied as a
dwelling and general store by C. Rowe, who several
years ago was succeeded by D. K. Landis, and is one
• of the largest and best-conducted country stores in
the county.
Soon after the incorporation the Town Council
turned its attention to the improvement of the streets
and pavements, and the former were macadamized
with stone and the latter were [laved with jjine plank,
which were soon found to be rather unsatislactory
on account of the frequent repairs which wire
needed. Wooden pavements were, however, made
until about ten years ago, when the Town Council by
resolution prohibited their construction, and directed
that all pavements thereafter made should be made
of brick or stone. This resolution seemed to stop all
paving for several years, and the wooden pavements
continued to wear out, until in many cases, they were
worse than none at all, and what seemed to aggravate
the pavement trouble was the fact that a large por-
tion of the town was paved on only one side •.! the
street. Finally, in ISSl, some of the more enteri. rising
of the citizens interested themselves in the election of
borough officers who would enforce the resolution of
the previous Councils, and were successful at the
jJoHs, and the following year succeeded in re-electing
the same officers, and as a result the olif wooden
pavements have nearly all disajjpeared, and the town
is now paved throughout its entire length with sub-
stantial brick pavements, and it is thought it may be
called one of the best paved towns in the State.
The business interests of the town are represented
by one national bank, with a capital of .SSO.fiOo, rep-
resented by eighty shares of a par value of i^lUO, which
are ncjw selling at $14.") per share (Joseph McClure
is the president, ajid George W. Hensel, Jr., is the
cashier); seven general stores, one hardware-store,
three hotels, one restaurant, one jewelry-store, one
drug-store, one saddlery, three confectioneries, three
tin-shojjs, two wagon-maker shops, three blacksmith-
shops, two furniture manu lactones, one shoe-store, one
extensive bakery, a printing-office, five cigar numu-
factories working from five to thirty hands, one livery-
stable, and various other smaller enterprises.
Strasburg, too, has its railroad, connecting it with
the Pennsylvania Railroad at Leaman Place. The
charter for this road was procured about the year
1832, and work was commenced upon it, but about
the time the grading was finished the funds became
e.Khausted and the entcrjirise seemed about to fail ;
but after yeara of waiting and hoping new life was
infused in"tu the enterprise, and the road was com-
plcte.l and put ill rnniinig order in 1851. About ten
years later it met with its second fiiumcial embarrass-
ment, and the whole concern went into the hands of
the sherilf ami was sold by him, the stockholders re-
seven dollars on each share of one hun-
At the sherill's sale it was purchased
:ce IhiiitoM, in trust for himself and
,il, Cyrus N. ilcrr, John F. llcrr, John
Iciiry .Mussc-lman, lion. Thomas E.
Franklin, Hon. Thaddeus t>tevens, John S. Ken-
eagy, Davis Gyger, Henry Mu.sser, Hon. (). J. Dickey,
Robert M. Girvin, John Mns.selman, John Miller, D.
G. EshleuKin, Abram E-hleman, Samuel Keneagy,
Bower & Holl, Jacob Bacliman, John Bachman, and
B. B. Gunder, lor the .sUiii of thirteen thousand d.d-
lars.
The partners one after another sold out their re-
spective interests in the same to John F. Herr and
Cyrus N. Herr, until they owned the whole road
jointly. Jn Isiiil tiny took into the partnership A.
j\[. Herr, and ihr business was carried on under the
name of Herr tt Co. .Vbout this time they connected
with the railroad depot a large steam flouring-mill,
and a "few years after attached a large planing-mill
and machine-shop, in which a large business was
done until Jan. Itj, 1871, when the whole building
was destroyed by fire, entailing immense loss upon
the eu;er|irisiiig owners. On the return of sjiring
they commenced rebuilding, and erected a very line
cei
ving abou
drc
.1 d
.liar..
hv
11.
n. Fe
He
E.
nr.\
Brack
658
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
railroad depot, machine-shop, and ])hining-n)ill, hut
did not rebuild the merchant flouring-niill. j
Unfortunately for the business interests of the com- j
nuinity, and the town of Strasburg in particular, the ,
firm never recovered from their loss, and the finan- '
cial crash and business depression of 1873 coming so
closely upon the heels of their disaster, the firm were
compelled to make an assignment in April, 1875, to
Isaac Phenegar, who at the time served them in ,
the capacity of book-keeper. At the assignee's sale
the road, depot, and rolling-stock was purchased by
Thomas and Henry Baumgardner, ol' Lancaster City,
lor the sum of twelve thousand seven hundred and ,
twenty-five dollars, and they have since leased tlie
road to Isaac Phenegar, who has operated it since |
April 1, 1876, at a paying profit. j
JIany years ago, when all the freighting between
Philadelphia and the interior towns was done by
C'onestoga wagons, Strasburg was one of the |)rin-
cipal sto])ping stations, and tlie town contained some-
times as many as eight and ten hotels, and about as
many stores, but since better modes of communica-
tion and travel have been devised many people do
much of their purchasing in the larger cities of Lan-
caster and Philadelphia.
Education. — From its earliest days Strasburg has
given much attention to education, and has taken a
leading |)osition in educational matters. Prior to the
nineteenth century teaching was mostly done by itin-
erant teachers going from house to house. About
1808 a brick building now standing was built on the
east side of Nortli Jackson Street by private contri-
bution, which was incorporated by an act of the Leg-
islature a few years after. This school was taught in j
its best days by a William Mackey, assisted by his
sister, and was largely attended by iiu|)ils from the
town and surrounding country. Another brick build-
ing of about the same dimensions and similar in gen- ,
eral appearance stands about fifty yards from the I
south side of East Main Street, which was built some |
time after the enactment of the free school system ;
both are now occupied as dwellings.
The statement may be startling that the Pennsyl-
vania free school system is a Strasburg idea. In Jan-
uary, 1831, discussion arose in the store of (ieorge
llolfinan, Esq., one of the most prominent residents
of the borough, of whom more will be said hereafter,
which led to a call for a public meeting in Jackson
Street school-house, at which George Difi'enbaugh
acted as chairman, and James McPhail, Esq., as sec-
retary. This meeting sent the first petition to the
Legislature in favor of general education, resulting
in the passage of the act of 1831, appropriating cer-
tain moneys towards the establishment of public
schools at some future time. The citizens of Stra.s-
burg, and particularly those who attended this meet-
ing, never lost sight of the measure until the free
school system of Pennsylvania was formally e»l,ib-
lished in 1835.
Strasburg Academy.— In 183(1 was founded the
Strasburg Academy, with Kev. David McCarter, A.M.,
as principal. The school was established on the
])remises now occupied by Daniel Greiner, on Eiist
Mam Street, to which was attached the academy
proper Jjy Richard B. Groff, now a resident of the
State of Iowa. This school was very largely attended
by young men from all ])art3 of the United States
and even from the West Indies. After a prosperous
existence of about twenty years it began to decline.
About this time Mr. McCarter resigned or sold out,
and a new higli school building had been erected,
which circumstances drew largely upon its patronage,
and the institution became non-paying. In 1804 or
1865 it was converted into a Soldiers' Orphans' School
for a short time ; after that time it was occupied by the
Misses Girvin as a private school for a few years. In
1873 it was torn down and converted into a dwelling.
In the year 1856 was erected on North Jackson
Street the Strasburg High School building, which
was considered a fine building and large enough for
the accommodation of the children of the borough.
Previous to this, or rather at the time of the enact-
ment of tlie free school system, the Strasburg borough
school district had come into possession of the two
buildings above alluded to by purchase. These three
buildings were sufficient for the educational require-
ments of the borough until 1870, when a large and
imposing two-story brick structure was erected on the
south side of Franklin Street, west of Fulton.
This building accommodates all the schools of the
borough, divided into first and primary, grammar lyid
liigh school, each having a separate teacher, with a
superintendent or priiici|>'al who has charge of the
whole.
The Strasburg High School has been in charge of
Professor Charles B. Keller since'1872, and ranks as
one of the best in the State, being almost self-sustain-
ing from tuition fees of pupils attending from without
the district.
In the school building is a very excellent reference
library, placed there at a cost of more than a thou-
sand dollars. Since 1876 from five to eight young
ladies and gentlemen have graduated from the high
school annually, most of whom have since taught
very acceptably throughout the county. The annual
attendance at all tlie schools of the borough is about
two hundred and twenty-five.
. Religion and Churches.— While it is probable
that the people of Strasburg as a rule were not an irre-
ligious or godless people, yet it is the fact that there
are no well authenticated church records of the
borough before 1812, when the Lutheran Church on
East Main Street was built. The donor of the ground
upon which this church stands lies buried heneath
the sidewalk in front of the church.
The church was built by lottery, and one old man
now living says that he drew the sum of fifty dollars
at the drawing upon a ticket purchased by his father,
STRASBUKG BOROUGH.
659
he being but six years old at llie time. It is n large
two-story brick structure, with gallery and organ-loft,
in which is a pipe-organ made by one Michael With-
ers, residing in the neighborhood. Rev. J. J. Sliiiie
was its pastor from the time of its erection until the
time of his death. It was also occupied by the
Methodists at the time of its erection, but the iioi-^e
made by them at the time of their revivals was tdo
much for their Lutheran brethren, and they were
obliged to seek other quarters. A large brick steeple
had at one time been erected at the east end of the
church, but when it had reached a few feet above
the roof of the church proper the funds were e.x-
bausted, and in a few years after it was torn down
and the material was used for tlie construction of the
Strasburg Academy.
About 1815 the " Old Jlethodist Church," as it is
now called, was erected at the soutii end of South
Decatur Street, which was occupied by the congrega-
tion until 1839, when a new and larger edifice was
erected on West Main Street. In ISliS this was
found to be too small, and an attachment w.l> built
to it, and it was otherwise renovated and inipniveil
in tlie interior.
The Presbyterians likewise held their first meet-
ings in the Lutheran Church, and for some years
acted without any regular organization. In 1832,
November 21st, a meeting Wiis lield which resulted in
the election and final ordination of William Russel
and David Shirk as ruling elders, and the church
edifice now standing on the corner of South Decatur
and Franklin Streets was soon afterwards erected
upon land jmrchased of David Shirk. The pastors
who have served the church are Revs. Joseph Rarr,
David McCarter, Solomon McNair, J. M. Ritten-
house, John R. Kugler, John McNair, D. D. Henry,
E. Spayd, R. K. M. Baynuin, and Ezra Haney, the
present incumbent. The (iresent trustees are Josiah
A. Martin, D.D.S., William Spencer, Martin Dru-
linger, Jacob Bachman, and John Girvin.
In 1871 the United Brethren in Christ purchased
the old Methodist Church and renovated it, and held
services in it until 1881, when debts had accumulated
upon them to such an extent that they were obliged
to sell it, the Good Templars becoming the purchasers,
who converted it into a temperance hall by enlarging
and otherwise improving it.
In 1870, when the school board sold the Jackson
Street school buildings, they were purcluised by Dr.
Benjamin Musser, who afterwards conveyed the high
school building to the Reformed Mennonite Church,
that has since held services therein.
Public Hall.— In the northeast corner of Centre
Square stands Massasoit Hall, a large three-story
hrick building, the third story of which is occupied
by two secret beneficial societies,— the Independent
Order of Odd-Fellows and the Junior Order of Uaiud
American Mechanics.
In 1870, George B'. Eager commenced publishing
the Slrasbuiy Free Press, a weekly paper, and con-
tinued as editor until Jan. 1, 1879, when he sold the
concern to J. W. Sandoe, wdio continued the paper
until December, 1881, when it was sold by the sherifl'
to .'. G. Sutton. The office remained closed until
.March, 1882, when George B. Eager again purchased
it, and has since been doing only a job business.
literary and debating' societies have at various
times flourished here, and have been largely attended,
[irobably the most successful seasons being those of
1880, 1881, and 1882, when meetings were held in
I Massasoit Hall, which has at times been densely
' packed by spectators. There also existed at one time
many years ago a scientific society, but its records, if
ever there were any, are lost.
Burying-Places. — Within the borough limits there
are no less than i\\e burying-places, namely, one Lu-
theran, one Presbyterian, two Methodist, and the
Strasburg Cemetery, inclosing about two and one-
half acres, which is by far the largest and best regu-
I lated. Several large and costly monuments adorn its
inclosure, and in the early season, when trees bedeck
themselves in living green and flowers bloom their
prettiest, it is a beautiful i)lace.
Noteworthy People. — Among noteworthy individ-
uals of Strasburg bon.ugh may be mentioned Thomas
[ H. Burrowes, who was born Nov. IG, 1805, in a small
house, a few doors west of Centre Square, which was
torn ddWH abnut the year 1870 by David Reese, ou
I the site of which stands the house now owned by
Christian Kreider. He received a liberal education
at Quebec and Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, where
his parents rcsi<led for some years. In 1831 he was
elected to the House of Representatives, and was re-
electe<l in 1832. Being a Whig, and that party being
in the minority in the House, he did not attain to any
leading distinction. In 1835, when his party came
into power by the election of Joseph Ritner as Gov-
ernor, he was called to the office of Secretary of the
Commonwealth, ta which the siiperintendency of com-
mon schools was then ex officio attached. From this
time Mr. Burrowes made the work of popular educa-
tion a most careful study, and prepared a revised
school bill, which was adopted by the Legislature in
183G, and iVniii that time bent all his energies to the
execiitidii ot the law. In 1837 he published a plan
and drawing for the improvement of school-houses
and furniture wdiich was widely used.
In 1839, (ipon the retirement of Governor Ritner
and the advent of a different administration, the
su])erintendeiicy of common schools passed into other
hands, and Mr. Burrowes returned to Lancaster and
devoted the next seven years of lii-s life to agricultu-
ral [lursuits on his farm near Lancaster. Owing to
pecuniary losses he was obliged to sell this in 18-15,
and he returned to his profession as a lawyer.
In January, 1850, at the convention of the friends
I of education, held at Harrisburg, he was temporary
1 chairman, and acted as chairman of the committee
660
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
"to consider the best means of invigorating tlie gen-
eral superintendence of the common school system,
harmonizing its local operations and spreading the
knowledge of its true nature" and benefits, its prog-
ress and necessities, the report of which committee
recommended the establishment of a separate State
department of education and the publication of a
monthly educational State journal for the dissemina-
tion of matters |)ertaining to the interests of educa-
tion among the friends of the cause in all parts of the
commonwealth. The report was unanimously adopted
by the convention. In 1851 a number of teachers of
Lancaster County met in convention and chose Mr.
Burrowes as their chairman, and measures were
adopted for the promotion of a permanent educa-
tional association in the county. At this meeting
resolutions were adopted authorizing the chairman to
commence the publication ''of a monthly paper de-
voted exclusively to the spread of information rela-
tive to education."
This was the origin of the I'cnnsijleania School
Journal, a work which until a few years before his
death occupied much of tlie time and attention of
Mr. Burrowes.
By the act of 1855 the Pennsylvania School Journal
■was made the organ of the school department, and
one copy was directed to be sent to each school dis-
trict in the State, at the expense of the State. In
1854, Mr. Burrowes prepared for the State descrip-
tive matter for " Pennsylvania School Architecture,"
a volume of two hundred and seventy-six jiages.
After having written nearly all the important school
bills passed by the Legislature after 1830, probably
the crowning act of his life was the drafting of the
Normal School law, which is regarded by its friends
as being unsurpassed by any legislation on this sub-
ject either in America or Europe.
In 1858, Mr. Burrowes was elected mayor of Lan-
caster City, which office he heldforone year. In IsiiO
he was again called upon to administer tlie ^rhocil
system of the State. In 181)4 he was appnintcd by
Governor Curtin superintendent of sohlici^' (ir|.li;iii>'
schools, and otahlished these institutions in dill, rent
parts of the State. In 18G9 lie was electe.l pre-ident
of the Agricultural College, a positioji which he held
at the time of his death.
To Thomas H. Burrowes ])robab!y more than to any
one else belongs the honor of being the father of the
Pennsylvania free school system. He did more than
any other one man to place it upon a permanent
basis, and in its establishment he has erected for
himself a monument more enduring than stone. • He
died March 25, 1871.
George HofI'maii was born in Strasburg, JIarch 9,
1784. He obtained the first rudiments of education
from an old German schoolmaster named Buch, of
whom very little is known, -but who, accordini: lu
Mr. Plofl'man's recollections of him, must have been
a man of considerable knowledge. Of Mr. Hollman's
parents but little is known. When George was fifteen
years old he was placed in the store of James White-
hill, then the most extensive of Strasburg's merchants.
Here lie remained until he was twenty-one years old.
During the next eight or ten years he served as.clerk
in other sfores in the place. In 1809 he was married
to Barbara iMaynnnl, of Safe Harbor, and went into
biisiiiL-.-, (Ill bis riwn account. About five years later
be iiinved to .'^tia^burg, where he continued to reside
and keep store until the time of his death. In 181G
he was appointed by Governor Snyder the first justice
of tlie ])eace for Strasburg borough after its incorpo-
ration, which office he held until the winter of 1827
-28, wdien he was elected to the Legislature.
As a magistrate he is said to have been one of the
most useful and upright men who ever filled that
office, his aim ever being not to make money for
himself, but to do good to those around him. No
civil case that could be adjusted amicably did he ever
push onward to a suit for the sake of making costs
for himself or the constables. He was emphatically
a peacemaker, and many had cause to bless him for
his efforts in that direction. He possessed the rare
faculty of making persons wdio were wrong and angry
perceive their error and the folly of their ill temper,
and this he could do without giving them the least
ofl'ense. He seemed to know by intuition how to treat
every person with whom he came in contact, and in
all eases without departing in the least from his habit-
ual dignity.
His iViendshii) for the young was at all times re-
markable. No man ever touk a greater interest than
he in those who fell in his way. To them he was
like a lather. His interest in a certain poor, deserv-
ing boy led to a remark by him in his store, in tlio
presence of some of his friends, .which resulted in
the meeting in the Jackson Street school-house,
above referred to, and to the day of his death he
nevt-r In-t lii- interest in our free school .system.
He uiis at all times a firm believer in the rights of
man, wilbout distinction of race, nationality, or color,
llr was (Hie (il'ibe few who stood by Charles Burleigh
ulieii be ikli\euMl iiis aiili-slavery lecture in Stras-
burg, and was always a decided abolitionist. He
died in 1845 of typhoid fever, leaving four children,
— Barbara (who was married to Jacob Erb, of Cones-
toga township), Ann (the wife of B. B. Gonder),
Jesse Ilotriiian, and Margaret Warren (wife of Wil-
liam S. Warren). Mr.s. Gonder and Jesse Hollnian
are still living in Strasburg.
Rev. George Dulfield was born in Strasburg, July
4, 179G, in the house long occupied by James
McPhail, and now owned by the heirs of Dr. Benja-
min M«sser, deceased. His father, also named
George, was a merchant, and for nine years was
register and comptroller-general under Governor
McKean. His grandfather, also named George, was
chaplain of the Continental Congress.
The subject of this sketch graduated at the early
STRASBURG BOROUGH.
age of sixteen at the University of Pennsylvania.
He read tlieology, and was licensed to jireach by the
Presbytery of Plula(ldli)hia on the 2Uth day of April,
1815." In 1817 he married Miss Isabelle Bethune, a
daughter of a well-known merchant and a sister of
Rev. George Bethune, D.D.
In 1837 he was called to the Broadway Tabernacle
as the successor of tlie Rev. Charles G. Finney. In
1838 he was called to the First Presbyterian Church
of Detroit, a position which lie at once accepted, and
continued its sole pastor until April 27, 18l)5. In
ability and learning he is said to liave ranked with
such men as Drs. Lyman Beecher, Sprague, and
others. He died at Detroit, June 20, lSfi8.
Stephen Russel, a man uf whom very little is known
by the greater portion of the people of Strasburg to-
day, was born about the year 1820 in the house ad-
joining the Duflield house on the east, now owned by
two Weaver sisters. His father, William Russel, was
one of the two tirst ruling elders of the Presbyterian
Church of Strasburg. Not very much is known of
the family at the present day. From one of Stephen's
schoolmates it is learned that an older son of William
Russel worked his way by some means into a com-
mercial house in Philadelphia, an<l through his in-
fluence Stephen also obtained a situation as a clerk
in a store. From here he worked his way into the
custom-house. Wliile here he read law during his
leisure hours, and was admitted to the bar. He
then drifted to New York, and practiced his profes-
sion, and dealt in stocks in a small way, and figured
in politics to some extent. His practice soon became
paying, and then became lucrative. He was at one
time corporation counsel for the city of New York at
a salary of sixteen thousand dollars per annum.
Some time after he left this jilace his tatlier died,
leaving a wife and an imbecile son to be cared for
by his sons. For some time they rented quarters,
Stephen paying the rent. When he came to be in
easy circumstances, he returned to Strasburg, pur-
chased a lot of ground, built a large and comlbrtable
two-story brick house for her use, moved her and his
brothers into it, and provided for them as hmg as they
lived. The house is now owned and occupiL-d by .Mr--.
Harriet Leche. It is said that Mr. Ru^sel's wealth
to-day is counted by millions.
Borougll Officers.— The burgesses in the borough
of Strasburg have been as f.illows:
L GiturgB DinL-.iUuiigh.
I87-. Hkiv,..v Bnickl.iU.
1870-SO. JhcuU Ilil.li-bran.i.
1S73. \V. T. JlLl'liiiil.
lSSl-82. II.G. Buuk.
l^'V X.V.im Hull.
1883. Cliiiotiiin lt.j«e.
ISTo.^Ohrisliun li;iclimaii.
The :t^>istant burgesses
lave been :
iMr,-i'.i. ji.cobMiHcT
lS,-.0-.M. Francis Cavighfy.
lS2ll-i;l. Geor«6 DifTeiibaugli.
1852. E.Jw.ir.l Sl..ac.v.
1B22. .I.imea .^.liims.
IS.W. John Warnlz.
1»2:!-21. Joliii I.lUz.
18.-.1 ."LnilifwCbarlea.
18J3 I'liilip Weitzel.
1855. William Black.
lS2li. .lohli Gil.Uvell.
1S6G-57. Robert Spencer.
1S27. Rubert.Wall.n;(!.
1.858. Adam Rosa Black.
1823-29. J..hn Mc.\lli3tur.
1859. Heniy Bear.
ls.l„-:)l..lac,.bHo„v^r.
lSCO-02. .lames LiDViU,
IXM. WiUiiiin libick.
1863. Mbbael Bonk.
ISil. JuM.pll UulMUaU.
1804. A. 11. Black.
l.sll. iJuviJ Shirk.
1805. William Smith.
1S:15. Isa.ic Irwin.
1800-07. Henry SpieU.ian.
1810. J,.liu Mc^UisttT.
1808-75. Jacob Ilil.iebr.iud.
I.s:i7-J8. Jose|>li Iluwnmn.
1870-78. C. Bachman.
1S30. John CuUMuUy.
1879. Joseph Bowman.
1S4(M3. .loM.ph li,iwni;ii..
1880. Joseph HoU.
H<44. John K. StuMor.
1881-82. A. M. Ilerr.
l.S45-4'J. Siiii.uel TuKiiJrt.
1883. George W. Heusel.
The following have bee
1 members of the borough
Council;
1810. James W hllehill.
1817. George DilTeiibangh.
1818. John Connelly.
1819. John Gygei
IKn Jl \,, iHl ,M McAllister.
1827. John Connolly.
1828-20. Andrew Cha
1830. David Shirk.
1831. John Connolly.
1832-43. Abraham Sn
1845-48. Joseph Bon
Sampli-, Thomas Crawford, John Connelly, Robert Spenc
lloll, Samuel Iloll, William IlanRe, Michael Johnston, A
Charles, Peter Holl, Jr., George Miller, James Adams, Jo
ly. William I;.iB,ell, Caleb Evalin, ArchibalJ McAllister. W
Black, Kob<
Bear, Jo
etirgo Ditlenbaiigh, John Leit/.. John Fii
aldwell, John Uarr, John .Markley, Wilii.im Kchteni..ch, Julm
ranier, William Bas.et, Ilngh McClnng, .lanics McChesiiey, Wil-
am Glass, Samuel Shrov, William Smilli, Francis S. Bnrrowes,
imcs Lyile, Jacob Hoover, Daniel Miller, James Blair. George
ondersmilh, David Lniz, liobert Seaman, John Miller, George
essler, David Wiley, John Sleacy, William Gniles, David Gyger,
.lam L. liagy, James Whilehill, J..lin llai r, Amos Gilbert, Joseph
ownian, Isaac Girvin, John Fullmer, John McAllister, lilac Rat'V,
avid Kberly, George llollman, J.icob liower, Joseph Burk, James
invill, Jame.s Mcl'liail, William Uussell, Joseph Goiider, David
liirk.Jr.. D.iiiiel I'.lls. John Cioff, John JIurdock, John Moore,
nt.Wil
li»mF.Mack.y,Sanm,.r
aggart, George HaUKhmttn, Samuel Shroy,
Daniel Miller, Robeil K
ans, William Giles, Klias Uhoier, Samuel
Bower, John Sleel.Jacol
Kborer, Willian, P. Uobinson, Alexander
Sliult/., l..'Vi Waidley, Jo
,„ Weriilv, W. J. S. Warren, Samuel Ken-
„tV. .I-M.;.l, Holl,.I..M:lh
llniio, Cha.les Foulk, Jacob Hoffman,
John KilUuo, .I.ooU 111
l,>>aU,,, Mlihael Book, Kndol|,l, Shavib,
J, ,1,1, Smilh, A. .M llei
,1'liii^t ll.icliuiali, Reuben Fellenbanm,
Ge.H-e MaMial.l, Ficde
i.l. .Myers, Miller Fcailk, J. G. Weaver,
Isaac lloll, Daniel Potts,
■hrist. Rowe, James Frew, J. F. Slicrlz, F.
U. Mns»elio;oi, Henry 11
,11, I. K. W.t.ner, Joseph D. Gonder, ller-
vey lli.okbill.J">.ph .M
I'olts, William 0. Bair, Isaac Groff, Flam
The clerks liave be
n:
1810. Mai tin Fonts.
j 18:10-38. Jacob Bower.
1817-10. Joseph Cramer.
1810. Samuel 1'. liower.
18211-2.5. Geo, go Jliller.
ls4(l-.57. Jacob Bower.
1S2U-28. J. Ml I'll, ,11.
185.8-02. Jacob llibh.biaml.
1829-35. T. 11. Valroline,
1.'m;3-83. Isaac Walker.
The t.T;,.ine,s have
been :
ISlo-.'S. l.e,.iKeli..lll,.UM.
1847-50. D.S.Warren, J. Wernlz.
I.sJ')- ;o l,u,l> (OlMM.
1851-55. John Wernl/.
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Tlie high constables
have been :
1810. Jul,,. M.irkley.
18i;U-lil. Thoni,
1S17. D.i„iul MilU-r.
1802. William F
1818. He„ry Mycr..
1SC3. ItoLert U
1819-21. Micl,.'iBl Shli.dle.
IbiH Jusi'i.l, W
1822. Willian, C„,ni„ii,s.
lfC5-72 Willii,,
1823-31,. DaniL-l W.nJitz.
1873. Sam„.^l K
18.ll-:i3. Tli,j,.m8 ICigul-.
' 1874. Cor^'eLu
lS;i4-ll. Uariiul Wcnditz.
1875-77. Williai
1842-.i2. Tl,om,i3 Eafer.
1878. Jul,,, Wi„
IS.W-oO. William Cummins.
1879. Cl,ri^l,a„
18.i7-5S. Tlwniaa E.iger.
: 1K8U-83. Juhu J
1859. Heni-y Waidley.
The fiiUowing have been the jiistici?^
ince the iiicorponitiun of the borough
George HulTman, fiom 1810 I
Joliu Markk-y, frum 1821 to
Geurgo JKKiii„ey, elcctuJ i,
Samuel !■
liuwe
r, f.-on
1S4U
Jacob Hi
l.-braml, fro
,180
pruaent
tliue.
He.iry G
liuok,
fro,,.
1873
preset
liuic.
The past growth of the
borough of Strasburg has
been rather slow but sure,
and while the number of
houses has been increasing
very slowly, those which
are erected are of a su-
perior order. The ta.xes ol
the place, while not low,
are certainly not high,
compared with other cor-
porations, and considering
the fine educational and
social advantages which
the inhabitants enjoy. The
number of inhabitants has
stood at about eleven hun-
dred for a number of years,
but there are changes now
being made which cer-
tainly must increase the
number very materially. The great need of the ]
is better railroad facilites, which are likely t
aflbrded at no distant day. In closing it is prop
say that the past history of the town has been r:
uneventful, and it is probably safe to ])redicl a
perous future.
BIOGRAPilldAL SKETCHES.
HENRY G. BOOK.
The Book family i.s-of German descent. Midi
the great-grand fallier of the subject of this ske
emigrated from Wittenberg to this country near
[ close of the eighteenth century. He was a shoemaker
' by trade, but located in East Lampeter township,
I wheie h^ eii..;aL'id in agricultural pursuits. His wife
WIS Birbaia Book David Book, the oldest son of
the eniigi uit, \\a> ilso a shoemaker by trade, and was
burn No\ 2 1771. He married Catharine (born
171, 'M diu^lit.r ol Achini Hoak, and had a large
liinil> .,1 hil.lun viz., Daniel, born Feb. 10, 1793;
Di\id, '-cpt 2), 1701; Catharine, Sept. 30, 17%;
M ir\, Uct 8, 179b, Elizabeth, Jlay 17, ISOl ; John,
Jin 30,1804, (ieorge, Ajiril 11,180U; Michael, Jan.
2', ISU, Magdalena, April 5, 1813.
(iLcirge Book learned the tradeof ashoemaker with
hi~ I itlier, but -.pent his days in farming. In 1SG8 he
] i,r( I, i-iil I -ill ill lanii about one mile east of Stras-
burg village, which he oc-
cii|,ied until his deatli, in
1871). He was no aspirant
liir public position, but
lead a strictly moral, cor-
rect, and modest life. His
wife was Harriei (born
j"\Iarch 11, 1814), daughter
III' Philip ami liarbara
.ship, and a representative
ofoiie of the early families
of Lancaster County, also
of (lerman origin.
Philip Geistjborn March
7, 1 703, was the ancestor
of the family in this coun-
try, and left his native
land to avoid compulsory
military service. The
children of George and
Harriet Book are six in
number, viz.: JIary, wife
of John F. Wiggins, of
Providence ; Jacob G., an
extensive farmer in White-
side County, III. ; Henry
( ;. ; Levi L., principal of
the high school at Al-
toona, Pa. ; Benjamin F., a teacher in Strasburg
borough; and Amanda, wife of Aldus Weaver, who
occupies the homesteail farm with her mother.
Henry G. Book was born in West Lampeter town-
ship, on Feb. 20, 1843. His earlier years were passed
in farming pursuits, and in attendance upon the dis-
trict schools of his locality. He subsequently enjoyed
the benefits of academicinstruction at the Millersville
' State Normal School for two sessions. Immediately
; after leaving school he engaged in teaching for
si-x years in Strasburg township, and subsequently
ailopted the profession of a surveyor and conveyancer,
which has continued to occupy his time and attention
ever since. He has transacted a large amount of
I business in the drafting and execution of papers, and
JlC.f^^.r-rr4/
^a/^m^Af^4.
2J^r^
;'
STRASBURG BOROUGH.
fir.3
has surveyed many tracts of land in this section of
Lancaster County.
His .services are in constant demand, and he is one of
the active, busy residents of a borouL'h tliat is remark-
able for its quiet, rural simplicity. lie was elected jus-
tice of the peace in 1873, and has since performed in a
competent and satisfactory manner the various duties
of that office. lie has acted as executor, adminis-
trator, and guardian in many cases. He was elected
chief burgess of Strasburg borough in 1881, and re-
elected in 1882. He has always taken a deep interest
in local and township affiiirs, supporting, with a lib-
eral and progressive spirit, all movements tending to
promote the interests of his locality. He married,
Dec. 15, 1870, Annie, daughter of Adam and Susan
Mowery, of Strasburg township, and has three ciiil-
dren living at the present writing,. viz., Lillian M.,
Charles Edgar, aii.l Elsie G. Book.
Providence, anc
y, .Martie, Drum
n por-
e, and
more familiarlv known,
JACOB HILDEBUAXD.
Jacob Hildebrand w^as born in East Hempfield
township, Lancaster Co., on Nov. 16, 1822, His
father was Jacob Hildebrand, a butcher by occui)a-
tion, who passed his active business life in East Lam-
peter and Paradise townships. His mother's maiden
name was jAIary Heiny, and the children wlio com-
pose the family are : John, a merchant at Neiv Provi-
dence ; Jacob; Elizabeth, wife of John Wiker, of
Muscatine, Iowa; Henry U., who is in trade at Bal-
timore, INId.; G. James, an innkeeper at (iuarryville,
Lancaster Co.; Susan, wife of Dr. Kendig, of Cones-
toga Centre; Hoover IL, a farmer at Muscatine, Iowa;
Louisa, wife of John P. Eager, of Strasburg; and
Ella, wife of Sa[nuel Kendig, of Lancaster.
The subject of this sketch was thrown u|)on his
own resources at the early age of eight years, wlien
he left his home and began the labors of life by work-
ing ujjon a farm in Paradise (then Strasburg) town-
ship for his board and clothes. Between the ages of
thirteen and twenty he worked for Benjamin Herr, of
the same township, and derived from him what little
education he received, as well as habits of study and
investigation which proved useful to him in all his
subsequent career. He attended the district scliocd
of the township for a few seasons only, lour days in
each week.
At the age of twenty-one he entered the cabinet-
shop of Joel Rice, of Strasburg, for the purpose of
learning the trade of a cabinet-maker, and remained
in his employ for two years. At the expiration of
thiit time he embarked in business for himself in
Strasburg, and engaged in cabinet-making and car-
pentering until 1852, when he established a str)re in
the lower end of the village'and entered upon the life
of a nicrchiwit. Two years later he removed to the
east end of the village, and, forming a partnership
with William S. Warren, engaged in trade for two
years longer as Warren & Hildebrand, terminating
that connection, however, and i)ursuing the occupa-
tion of a contractor and carpenter until 18G2. In
I8(l(t Jie was elected to the office of justice of the
peace, and immediately began to familiarize himself
witli the higher duties of the station, discouraging
petty and vexatious litigation, and applying himself
to the study of surveying, conveyancing, and the
drafting of wills and other papers. He has continued
to hold the office of justice ever since. In 1S71 he
was elected county surveyor of Lancaster County on
the Republican ticket, and held that office for three
years and a half. During that period he prepared,
i with great labor and careful research, connected drafts
of the lan<l originally derived by patent in the pres-
ent townships of Strasburg, Paradise, East and West
Lampeter, Bart, Eden, and
tions of Salisbury, S;uMmi
Colerain.
Squire Hildebrand, as he
is recognized as one of the most substantial and use-
ful of the citizens of Strasburg. From a small be-
ginning, with scarcely any educational advantages,
by [latient industry and study, he advanced to a posi-
tion of honor and trust in the community, and has
transacted a large amount of important business, act-
ing as executor, administrator, and guardian in many
cases. He has surveyed a large i)ortion of the county,
and is familiar with the metes and bounds of many
important tracts of land. He served as chief burgess
of Strasburg from 1875 to 1880, and has been a con-
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
that borough since 18G1, holding an official relation
to that body for many years. He has always taken a
deep interest in all movements tending to develop
and strengthen the institutions of his locality, and
has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd-
Fellows since 4849, and a Master Mason since 1851.
He was a member of the building committee in the
erection of the town hall, and has participated in
other local improvements.
From 1863-71 he owned and operated an excellent
job-otlice in the borough, which he purchased to pre-
vent its being removed from town, and succeeded in
making it a pernutnent and successful integer in the
industries of the borough. He was married on Nov.
IG, 1847; to Elizabeth Spiehlman, who died in 1866,
leaving children as follows: Elizabeth A., wife of
Finn Elliott, of Lancaster ; Mary E., wife of William
Journey, of Lancaster ; William W., a cigar-manu-
facturer in Strasburg; Millard F., a brickmaker in
the same place; EUie S., wife of Samuel Dougherty,
of Columbia; John R., residing at home; Ole I., wife
of D. Miller Aumcnt, of Strasburg; Laura K., living
at home; Sallie B., wife of J. N. Goodman, of Stras-
burg; and James 11. Hildebrand, residing at home.
On Nov. 21, 1S66, he married Eli/.a Kendig, widow of
I .h.lin I'eiiiiell, of Strasburg, wh.i is his present wife.
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
William W. and James R. Hililebraml, his sons, and
John N. Goodman, his son-in-law, are engaged ex-
• tensively in the manufacture of cigars at Strasburg,
under the firm-name of Hildebrand & Co.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
BART TOWNSHIl'.'
At the November session of the court in Lancaster
County, 1743, the citizens of Sadsbury petitioned for
a division of that township, and the court appointed
Calvin Cooper, George Leonard, Sr., Samuel Ramsey,
Robert Wilson, and James j\Iiller, citizens of that
township, to divide it. They accomplished their
work in the spring of 1744. The name of the town-
ship was derived from the titular appendage to the
name of Sir William Keith (Baronet, abbreviated to
Bart.), who was Governor of the province from 1717
to 1726, ill which time the township was settled.
The first settlers were mostly Presbyterians from
Scotland and from the north of Ireland, the latter
known by the name of Scotch-Irish. They emi-
grated by thousands to Pennsylvania, and many of
them settled among the Friends in "Old Sadsbury,"
where tlie jirinciples of civil and religious liberty were
in full operation. A historian has truly testified "that
a more intelligent, virtuous, and resolute class of men
never settled any country." They have ever been the
stanch friends of liberty, and of everything else that
could elevate the character or promote the welfare of
society. Tliey were tlie most efficient supporters of
the American cause during tlie great struggle for
independence, and they have comj)arativoly done as
much for the support of learning, morality, and re-
ligion as any other class of people. In these respects
their descendants, who still iidiabit this township, are
not excelled by the people in any other section of the
county.
Eden was set off from Bart in 1855. The bounda-
ries of the township as at present constituted are
Paradi.se on the north, Sadsbury on the east. Cole-
rain on 'the south, and Eden on the west. It has
a length of five miles, an average width (jf three and
hundred and sixty acres.
A short distance south from the middle of this
township the great Chester Valley crosses it from east
to west. North and south from this valley the sur-
face is) rolling, like that of the other townships in the
southern part of the county. The soil, esjiecially in
the( l.>>t
productii
this latitude
Nickel-Mine Run and Meeting-House Run, with
their atiluents, water the northern and middle por-
tions of the township. They unite toward the
southern, boundary to form one fork of the west
branch of the Octorara. These streams not only
water the fai'ins through which they pass, but afford
excellent water-power.
The State road between McCall's Ferry and Park-
ersburg, which passes through the Chester Valley,
is the most important thoroughfare in this township,
and prior to the advent of railroads its importance
was much greater than at present. North and south
from this road the township is crossed from east to
west by roads, and two princijial highways pass
through it from north lo south, though the eastern-
most one is somewhat tortuous.
Iron, — Near the Green-Tree tavern, on the farm
of William Rakestraw, an iron-mine was opened some
years since by the PhaMiixville Iron Company. It
was worked by this company during several years,
and the ore was taken in wagons to Christiana, from
which point it was carried by rail to the company's
works near Philadelphia. The expense of transpor-
tation to Christiana juade the production of ore un-
profitable, and the mines CMri>eiiuentIy ceased to be
worked.
Nickel-Mines.^— According to authentic history,
the (iap mineshad been workedfor theircopperpriorto
the year 1744, and from traditions of the neighborhood
they were first discovered about 1718. For eighty or
ninety years after their discovery they were worked
at intervals by four or five dill'erent companies; but
none of those companies ever found sufficient copper
to pay expenses, and consequently they would work
them at a loss for a time and then let tlieni stand idle
till new parties would start them up again.
In 1849, after the mines had been idle thirty or forty
years, a stock-company was formed under the name of
the Gap Mining Conipany to work them again for cop-
jjer. They operated on a rather larger scale than the
previous companies ; put up a twenty-five horse-power
steam-engine for pumping and hoisting, employed a
number of miners and laborers, and found consider-
able copper ore, which they sold to copper smelters
in Boston and Baltimore, but there was not nearly
enough to pay the expenses of working the mines.
Nothing was then known here of nickel, although in
mining coppep large <piaiitilies of nickel ores were
mined along with it and thrown away as worthless.
It was called by the miners mundic (sulphuret of
iron), a very plentiful and nearly worthless mineral.
In the beginning of 1852 the present superinten-
dent of these works came to the Gap mines to work
as a minef. He immediately discovered that what
was termed mundic, and thrown away as worthless,
;iiis le
It
BART TOWNSHIP.
being sent to Boston and Baltimore, but tlie analysis
at these [)lace3 was not satisfactory. Finally, in the
latter part of 1852 or the l)i.-ginning of 1853, a sam-
ple was sent to Professor F. A. Gentli, a celebrated
chemist of Philadelphia, who made an analysis of it,
and pronounced it nickel, and gave the percentage
of pure nickel in the ore.
At this point the Gap copper mines changed to
Gap nickel mines. The Gap Mining Company mined
the nickel ore, and sold it to a .separate company,
which smelted the ore during a time in Philadelphia.
A year or two later another separate company erected
smelting-works about three-quarters of a mile north
of the mines. They bought the ore from the Gap
Mining Company, and smelted it there, but the smelt-
ing of nickel proved un]irofitable, consequently the
smelting-works changed hands several times, with
considerable loss to the owners. In 1859 the Gap
Mining Company bought these smelting-works, and
smelted their own ore, but in 18G0, finding that I
neither mining, nor smelting, nor both together '
would come near paying expenses, they closed the j
whole concern, mines, smelting-works, and all. I
This finished the Gap Jlining Company's opera- i
tions; they never worked it again. It remained idle
two years; the mines filled with water, which ran out
at the top of the shafts, engines and oilier machinery
rusting out, furnaces and stocks which were nearly
worn out before now decaying and crumbling to the
ground. Such was the condition of things when the
present proprietor, Joseph Wharton, Esq., a Phila-
delphia Quaker, took hold of it in November, 1SG2.
He at that time bought of the Gap Mining Comjiany
one-half of the concern, and leased the other half for
a term of years; but shortly aflerwarils he bought
the other half also, thus becoming the owner of the
whole concern, mines, smelting-works, machinery and
all. He iminedialely commenced repairing the ma-
chinery, pum[)cd the water out of the mines, rebuilt
the furnaces and stacks, and by May, 18G2, got into
operation the mining and refining of nickel. it
should be stated here that at the time Mr. Wharton
bought the mines and furnaces he also piirrhaseil a
large manufacturing establishment in Camden, N. J.,
uiul fitted it up for a nickel refinery; for be it re-
iiiembercd that when the metal leaves Gap Furnaces
it is not nearly pure, only a part of the dross or
worthless matter has been taken out; in that ccjiidi-
tion it is called ma«e, and is shipped to the refinery
at Camden, where it goes through many processes,
requiring much time, labor, and skil^ to bring out the
pure nickel. In fact, the processes are so tedious and
complicated that many months elapse after the ore is
mined before finished nickel is produced therefrom.
By his jiersevcrance Mr. Wharton has overcome all
obstacles, built up one of the most nearly compKie
nickel establishments in the -world, and by enii.'\
and economy was made the mining and makiii- ..I'
nickel in America a successful indnslry, thus bringing
many thousands of dollars monthly into Lancaster
County.
The establishment is now ' G:\\} Nickel-Mines and
Furuaces," owned and worked by Joseph Wharton,
of Philadelphia, Capt. Charles Doble, superintendent.
The mines are situated in Bart township, and the
smelting-works are about three-quarters of a mile
north from them in P.iradisc township. The mine
tract in Ban township contains four hundred and
fifty acres,' and the furnace tract in Paradise ninety
acres. There are on these properties a large mansion-
house at the mines, where the superintendent of the
works resides, a large store and dwelling (White Hall
store) near tiie mines, twenty-three tenant-houses, oc-
cupied by the workmen, five barns, stables, sheds, etc.
A township school-house is near the mines, and a
commodious Episco|)al Church, erected in 1857, stands
within the limits of the mine tract, the site for the
church and cemetery having been donated by the Gap
Mining Company.
When in full operation about one hundred and fifty
hands are employed in the mines, fifty at the furnaces,
and one hundred in the refinery. The mines are
opened out on the vein in length, by shafts and tun-
nels, about two thousand feet, and the deepest jioint
attained is two hundred and thirty-five feet. There
are si-\ shafts ranging from one hundred to two hun-
dred and thirty-five feet in depth, and a few others
from si.xty to eighty feet deep. All these shafts are
vertical. The ore is rarely found in paying quanti-
ties nearer than si.\ty feet to the surface. There are
two steam-engines at the mines, one a low-pressure
Cornish pumpingengine of one hundred horse-iiower,
for pumping water out of the mines, the other a
twenty-five horse-power, for hoisting the ore and rub-
bish o'ut of the mines.
The veinstone, or rock matter, mixed with the ore,
is a dark-colored, highly crystalline hornblende, con-
siderable ([uaiitities of which are mined and hoisted
with the ore. Alter it is mined the ore is brought
through the tunn.ls to the hoisting shafts in small
ears carrying about a ton each. It is then hoisted to
the surface in large iron buckets carrying about one
thousand pounds each, or in square wooden boxes
("skills") carrying each double that quantity. After
the ore is brought to the surface it is prepared for the
smelting-works by breaking the large lumps with
heavy sledges and (licking out the rock or refuse
matter, washing and liand-picking the middle size,
and "jigging" (a process of se|iarating the rock matter
from the ore by the difference in their specific gravity )
the finer panicles. After it is thus prepared it is
taken to the snielting-worksand broken by machinery,
pun
i.^tinu' kilns and set on fire to drive
.uh
Wli
666
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
smelting brings out a kind of concentrated ore called j
matte, which comes from the furnaces in a liquid slate i
and is cast in sand moulds into jiigs, like pig-iron from
an iron-furnace. This pig-matte is next reduced by [
machinery to a coarse powder, then pui into barrels (
(one tiiousand pounds in a barrel) and shipped to
the refinery in Camden.
There are two twenty-five horse- power steam-engines
at the smelting-works. One drives the blast-cylinders j
which give air to the furnaces, and the other drives i
the rock-breaker and Cornish crusher. There are i
four blast-furnaces, but only two in blast at a time, i
There are also a cooper-shop, a blacksmith shop, and i
a wagon-shop. Seven hundred tons of ore per month
are mined and smelted at these works. 1
Downing Mill.— About one mile below the Green ;
Tree Inn, on the west branch of Octorara Creek, is
still standing a house on the end of which is the date
of its erection, 1747. Ne:.r this house stand the black- !
ened walls of a grist-mill that was built in the same !
year by Samuel Downing, who was then the owner
of the land there. The mill was the property of Mr. i
Downing till his death, after which the Hurfords
purchased it, and in 1830 rebuilt it. From them it
passed to Eli Kerns, and subsequently it became the
property of his son, Horatio Kerns, I'rom wliom it
passed to the Heyburgers, who owned it when it was
burned, in 1877, and who still own the property. i
A mile and a half below this mill, on the same
stream, another was built early in the present renluvy
by Gen. James Caldwell. It wassubM'.|uenlly buinrd,
and was rebuilt by Maris Kerns, who had hcromo
the owner. It is now owned and operated by David
Jackson. It is a framed structure, with two runs uf
A saw-mill is attached to this mill.
Georgetown Mill— In ITGo, IVli.v Haughman
purchased from the proprietaries of the province the
land on which this mill stands, about half a mile t
southeast from Georgetown, on the west branch of |
Octorara Creek. In the latter part of the last cen-
tury a saw-mill was erected at this point either by
Felix Baughman or George Baughman, his son, and
not long afterward a small grinding-mill was added
to it. To this, in 1817, an addition was made, and
two runs of burr-stones for grinding wheat were put
in it. In 1803 tbe properly passed into the hands of
James Baxter, and it was sold by the sheriff to James
Downing in 1816, by him to William Downing in
1826, and by him to Morris Cooper in 1834. In 1842,
Mr. Cooper erected the present grist- and saw-mill a
short distance farther down the stream, and demol-
ished the original mill, which was built mostly of
slone. This mill has remained without material
alteration till the present time. It is a large stone
building, and it has three runs of stones and all the
necessary machinery for merchant and grist work. It
is worthy of remark that the original overshot w.itcr-
wheels which were placed in this nilll when il was
built are still there in a good state of preservation,
without even the buckets having been removed. In
1S.J.3 the mill became the property of Jeremiali
Coo|ier, the son of Jlorris, and it was purchased by
Harvey jClendeiining, the present owner, in 1SS3.
Woolen-Factory.— In 1842, William P. Cooper, a
brother of Morris Cooper, built a woolen-mill on
West Branch, one-fourth of a mile down the stream
from Georgetown mill. It was built of stone, and
had two sets of machinery for the manufacture of
woolen cloth and satinet. Mr. Cooper operated this
mill till 1862, when the wood-work and machinery
were destroyed by lire. It was at once rebuilt by Jlr.
Cooper and sold to James Bond, who placed in it
modern machinery and operated it till 1876, since
when it has not been in u>c. It is now the property
of Jeremiah Cooper.
Schools.— In 1S34, soon after the en.actment of the
school law, its provisions were accepted by the town-
ship of Bart, and excellent schools have since been ■
maintained. The township now cori>ists of six sub-
districts, named as follow. : Nickel Mines, in the
northern part; the Geoiyctown District, in the cen-
tral portion; Mount riea^ant, in the western pari;
Mars Hill, ill the southwest; tlie Brick SchooMIouse
District, in the south ; and Harmony, in the southern
central part. In the Nickel Mines District the school- '
house is a wootlen building. In the Georgetown Dis- ^
trict are two houses, one of which is of stone. The
.Mount I'leasiint District has a st.mc house. All the
In
Tree
bram
giver
Willhini II
■L- tan-ht, Ml
ireparalioi, ,
ea
■crage ye
sIr
d near Gr
1 tl
is school
It-Ill
I tent
quite prosperous, and was kept up till the removal of
Mr. and Mrs. Cwxl Iroiii the locality in 1881.
Octorara United Presbyterian Church.'— The
congregation of the Octorara United Presbyterian ;
Church in Bart has a house of worship on a plat of
ground that is on the Valley road, one mile from the
village of Georgetown, and that was deeded for
church purposes by the heirs of William Penn.
The society was organized Oct. 20, 1754. There
are no records of the names of members, etc., until
Rev. Eastoii took charge of this congregation, in con-
nection with the congregations of Oxford and Muddy
Run, in 1827. At that lime there were thirty-seven
members. Thi:# congregation originally belonged to
the Associate Church of Scotland, better known by
some as Seceders. It became United Presbyterian
when 'that body originated, in 1858. It had the one
pastor for filty-two years. In April, 1880, the con-
gregation called its present pastor, Rev. David An-
derson. The membership is now seventy-three. In
I Uy
U. AiMlun
BART TOWNSHIP.
667
1882 a parsonage was erected at a cost of nearly two
thousand five liundred dollars, and to this a few acres
of ground are attaclied, making a comfortable home
and surroundings for the pastor. The church edifice
is of stone, built about thirty-five years since, with a
seating capacity of two hundred. There is also a
small session liouse attached, altogether worth abuut
I' five liundred dollars.
f:_ A graveyard began to be used liere about 1800, tlie
' earliest members having been buried in the grave-
( yard of the church, just across the road, that holds
i the bulk of the land deeded. In this cemetery lie
j the body of Rev. Robert Annan, one of the pioneer
missionaries from Scotland, who died in December,
1819; also that of Rev. William Easton, D.D., with
his two wives and his s(m. Dr. Easton, who died
h while quite young in liis practice. These grounds of
^ course hold many honored dead, among them mini.^-
L ters of the gospel who spent their early years among
! this people. ■
Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church.'— From
about 1710 to 1775, a great number of people for
various reasons emigrated to America from the
north of Ireland, and quite a large part of these
lauded at Philadelphia, Pa., and at New Castle, Del.
From these ])oints they spread north and west into
i; and beyond what is now Lancaster IJuunty. Part (}|'
these settled' in the section of tlie lounty in which
Middle Octorara Church is now located. The por-
tion of these adhering to the Presbyterian Church
were probably first ministered to occasionally by Rev.
David Evans, who preached for a time as a supply at
Up|)er Octorara, where a church was organized about
1720. The section of country now occupied by the
Middle Octorara Church was then within the. bounds
, of the Upper Octorara Church. In 1724, Rev. Adam
Boyd was ordained and installed first regular pastor at
Upper Octorara Church. About 1727 the families on
the west side of Octorara Creek sought an organiza-
tion, and hence Jliddle Octorara Church was organ-
ized. They asked for one-third of Mr. Boyd's time,
promising towards his salary fifty pounds, but on
account of the distance and the demand for his ser-
vices elsewhere he was directed to si)enil every sixth
Sabbath at Middle Octorara. This Mr. Boyd did, as
a supply, until about 1730. Who preached' for sev-
eral years after Mr. Boyd ceased the writer has not
been able to learn. On Nov. 18, 1735, Rev. Alex-
ander Craighead was ordained and installed as the
first regular pastor of this church. What was the
length of his pastorate or who immediately succeeded
him the writer has not been able to learn, as he has no
records of the church for forty years. Mr. Craighead
died in 171)0, but he had left this church years before.
In 1780, Rev. Nathaniel W. Sample became pastor
of Middle Octorara, in connectioji with the church at
Lancaster and Leacock, dividing his time equally
1 By Rev. W. G. Cuirnee, piiator.
! between the three churches. He remained .pastor
about forty years, or until 1821, and was succeeded by
1 Rev. Jose[ili Barr, who was elected pastor of Lea-
I cock and JNIiddle Octorara, May, 1S22, and installed
: 3Iay 0, 18:i>. This pastorate continued until Sent.
17, 1844, when it was dissolved by the Presbytery of
Donegal, on account of the health of Mr. Barr.
The next pastor was Rev. Solomon McNair, who
was ordained and installed May 8, 1846. He was re-
; leased by Presbytery in 1853 ('?), and in November,
j 1853, Rev. Joseph M. Rittenhouse was ordained and
installed pastor. He continued in this relation until
Sept. 23, 1873. He was followed by Rev. W. .J.
Henderson, who was installed Oct. 9, 1874, and con-
tinued as pastor until Oct. 6, 1876, when, at his own
request, on account of his health, he was released.
Rev. W. G. Cairnes, the present pastor, entered
up(jn his ministry among this peoi)le April, 1877, and
was regularly installed pastor May 3, 1878.
During the jiastorate of the Rev. Alexander Craig-
head a tract of land containing about one hundred
acres was conveyed by a deed dated June 20, 1738,
by John, Thomas, and Richard Penn to Henry
Work, Alexander Craighead, Robert Matthews, and
Hugh Barclay, " for the use of the Presbyterian con-
; gregation dwelling near the same." This tract of
land is still in po.,,r.-,>i,,n ..f the Middle Ottc.rara
Presbyterian Church and i)arsonage now stand,
which was conveyed to that church for that purpose.
The present church building, which is a >.to[ie
structure, and was erected before the beginning of
the present century, stands on this tract of land. It
' is capable of seating about three hundred jieople. A
parsonage also was erected near by the church during
the time Rev. j\Ir. McNair was pastor. A dwelling
for the former was erected in 1882.
An extensive graveyard is connected with the
church, to wliich additions have been made from
time to time as tliere was need. In it many of
I those who have resided in the neighborhood have
been buried, some who in their generation were prom-
I inent in the church and community. In the older
I part of the yard very few of the graves have stones
I with inscriptions. The stone bearing the oldest date
is that erected to the grave of William Barclay. The
full inscription is, " Here lies the bodies of William
Barclay and 'Mary, his wife. He departed this life
1 October, 1732, aged sixty-three years, and she Octo-
ber, 1757, aged eighty-eight years."
Beneath a marble slab (which is now, 1883, in a
j broken condition) lie the remains of Rev. John
! Cuthbertspn, the first Reformed Presbyterian min-
I isler who preached in America. He was a Scotch-
man, and landed Aug. 5, 1751, at New Castle, Del.
He preached his first sermon in America at the house
' of a Mr. Jose|ili Ross, who is thought to have resided
0, 1751,
He
668
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
home, after his settlement in this country, about two
miles from the Octorara Church. He preached at
Octorara, Muddy Run, Pequea, in Lancaster County,
and also extended his labors into Dauijhin, Adams,
Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, and York Counties,
and made a visit to the western part of the State, and
to Xew York State. The graveatone boars the fol-
"Hero liM the Body of the
Rev. JoliQ Cutlili-rlaon,
^Vha, after a labor of about 40 years in thh miuidtry of the Gospel anions
the Dissenting Coveiiantura of America, tlep.u tuJ this life lOlh
of March, 1701. in the 75 year. .f his age.
Among the other old stones are the following names
and dates:
William Barclay, Jr., who died ^Lly 23, 1757, aged
forty-eight years.
John Cunningham, who died Sept. 10, 17-57, aged
thirty-one years.
John Barclay, who departed this life Jan. 4, 17l>5,
aged sixty-tive years.
JIary JlcClure, wlio died Oct. 12, 1758, aged sixty-
three years.
William ilcClure, who died 17(iS, aged seventy
years.
Samuel Anderson, Esq., who died Sept. 10, 17G4,
aged sixty-four years.
The following persons, who served in the Revolu-
tionary war, are known to liave been buried in tliis
yard :
John Caughey, Sr., Jose|)h Tweed, R jbert Bailey,
James Thom|;son, and John .Mcl'luri.-.
Also the following, who serveil in (lie lsl2 war:
' John Caughey, Jr., William McC^ray, Henry Byre,
William Sampson, James JMcCord, William Boone,
Andrew Thompson, and William McCUire.
Also the following, who served in the late civil war :
Capt. Samuel Buone, (ieorge W. Good, Lewis Find-
ley, Lewis Kaughman, Benjamin Young, and Jacob
Ritz.
Also Edwin M. Martin, M.D., who served as an as-
sistant surgeon in the United States navy from April
12, 1875, until the time of his death, .\.ug. 20, 1878.
There are no sessional records of Middle Octorara
Church previous to the settlement of the Rev. Joseph
liarr, in 1823, known to the writer, and hence no
definite information can be ascertained in regard to
the elders previous to that date. When Mr. Barr en-
tered on his ministry the following were elders : John
Patterson, Francis .McKnight, Alexander Morrison,
James Steel. Robert Patterson, Samuel Morrison,
and Samuel Paxton. On Sept. 11, 1831, Cornelius
Collins, Thomas ^lorgan, Stephen Heard, Francis
Caughey, and Alexajider W.Morrison were ordained
elders. In 1840, John A. Love, Benjamin Fite, Jacob
Ritz, and Robert Ferguson Were added to the ses-ion ;
aUo the following "at vari.ms times: William \\...,u^,
Thomas Ferguson, .\dam Drauckt-r, Peter Baii^li-
I man, Samuel Ressler, William McElwain, Lewis H.
I Linville, Hervey Baughman, an<l Milton Heidle-
I baugh.
I Methodist Episcopal Church at Georgetown.'—
A society of tlie .Methodist Episcopal Church was in
j existence at Georgetown as early as 1830, and services
I were regularly held at private residences. Among
the first active members were George Rockey, Solo-
j mon Hamar, and Adam Hess, who was the class-
leader.
At a meeting of the Quarterly Conference, held at
I Columbia, Nov. 24, 1832, for Strasbnrg and Columbia
Circuit, Christopher Masters, Solomon Hamar, and
Charles Bender were appointed a committee to esti-
mate the expense of building a house of worship on
James Caldwell's land, near Georgetown.
They proceeded to erect the church, which was
completed and dedicated in 1833. It was a stouo
structure, with a seating capacity of two hundred and
forty. The dedicatory services were performed by
Thomas Miller, who was preacher in charge. It was
named Salem Jlethodist Episcopal Church. They ■
made a graveyard on this church lot. This house
continued in use until 1876, when it was taken down,
and the present church edifice was erected on its site.
This is a frame building forty-five by sixty-five feet,
including two convenient class-roc
four thousand dollars.
This society has always been
meiit. The circuits to which it 1
been altered from time to time as
stances have reiiuired. In 1830
ins. It cost about
I circuit appoint-
las belonged have
changing circum-
it wa-s under the
harge of Strasburg Circuit, and the circuit preachers
,-ere D.tvid Be,t and X.itlianiel Chew; in 1831-32
it was included iu Strasburg and Columbia Circuit,
j and the circuit preachers were Thomas Miller, Elipba-
! let Reed, Richard Tliomas, Robert E. Morrison, and
I John Edwards; in 1833 it was connected with Sou-
dersburg CirculL and the circuit preachers Thomas
Miller and William Ryder. Ministers have since
served this society, viz. : Revs. John Lednum, R. E.
Morrison, John Edwards, J. A. Watson, R. Ander-
son, Dallas D. Lore, E. R. Williams, G. Oram, Val-
entine Gray, Jonas Bissey, Samuel Grace, G. D. Car-
row, Henry Sutton, Allen John, William Rink, J. B,
Dennison, Charles Harsner, G. W. Lybrand, W. W.
Michael, B. T. String, J. C. Wood, Alex. Wiggins, J.
Aspril, William Downey, J. Amthor, J. A. Cooper,
E. C. Yerke-s, L. D. McClintock.
This society is now associated with the churches of
Gap and Christiana. These three con.stitute George-
town and Gap (circuit, and have for their minister
Rev. L. D. MeClint.iik. This church has generally
hundred and Iwcnly, Tluie !■- a lluuri^l.ingSunday-
Tlie trustees :ire IV-ter Pickel, William Phenc'Mr,
BART TOWNSHIP.
669
Jesse McAllister, Setli Tlioiuas, David L. Keiser,
Samuel H. TowhomkI, John V. Leech, Suiniu'l ll.lin,
Thomas ^Villiallls.
Protestant Episcopal Church at Gap Mines.'—
May 4, 18.')G, on invitation from Capt. John Williams,
Capt. Charles Dohle, and others, Rev. Dr. IS. 1!. Kil-
likelly, rector of All Saints' Church, Paradi.se, and
Christ Church, Leacock, Lancaster Co., Pa., held
■ evening service, and preached in the carpenter-shop
at Gap Mines. This and subsequent meetings tor
divine worship in the carpenter-shop led to and re-
sulted in a business meeting, held Aug. 26, 1S5G, at
the residence of Capt. Williams, when it wa.s an-
nounced that the Gap Mining Company had offered
to donate a lot of two acres of land, eligibly situated
for a church and graveyard; and it wa^ then decided
that Gap Jlining Company's offer be accepted, and
that trustees be appointed to solicit subscriptions for
the building of the said church, whereupon the fol-
lowing-named persons were duly appointed, viz., Dr.
B. B. Killikelly, of Paradise; James Hopkin.s, of
Gap; Adam K. Witnier, of Paradise; Francis Lytle,
of Bart; John Showaker, of Bart; and Capt. Wil-
liams, of Gap Mines.
At a meeting of the trustees, held Aug. 26, L856,
Capt. Williams was elected president, and Francis
Lytle, secretary; and at the same meeting Dr. Killi-
kelly and John Showaker were added to the numljcr
of trustees, to form with them a building committee.
The building committee, encouraged by the favor
the enterprise met with, coi\cluded to build the church
of stone, thirty by si.xty feet, after the early English
pointed style.
On Sept. 14, 1857, the corner-stone was laid in the
presence of about live hundred persons; and on Dec.
25, 1857, the builditig, although uncompleted, was so
far advanced as to allow of divine service being cele-
brated in it, which was accordingly done bv the Rev.
Dr. Killikelly.
On April 5, 1858, Easter Monday, the organization
of a parish, according to the rites and usages of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of |
North America, to be known as the parish of Grace 1
Free Church, Gap Jlines, Lancaster Co., Pa., was
completed, and the ibllowing seven persons were duly \
elected vestrymen, to serve one year from that time, '
viz., John Showaker, John Williams, Francis Lytle,
William W^ Withers, George Pogson, David Simp-
son, and James Martin. John Showaker and John
Williams were elected church wardens, and James
Martin secretary of the vestry. On the same day the i
vestry duly elected the Rev. Dr. 15. B. Killikelly rec- |
tor of the church and parish. '
On Sept.'27, 1858,the church being completed and
furnished, was dedicated by the Ri-ht Rev. Samuel I
Bowman, D.D., assistant bishop of the iliocese of
Pennsylvania, the wardens and vestry assuming the
outstanding debts against the church so that the
church could \>e consecrated. Those debts were soon
after paid <;ff
Jo^in Showaker, a vestryman and warden, who had
been so instrumental in the building of the cJiurch,
was the first to he laid in the new graveyard. He
was buried there on Dec. 1, 1S59.
On Nov. 1(1, 1860, a charter for the church was ob-
tained trom the Lancaster County court.
Besides the before-named vestrymen the following-
named persons of the neighborhood have been vestry-
men at some period since tlie organization of the
parish, viz.: Levi A. Fogle, E. W^ Coffin, John Hey-
berger, Esq., James Greer, Joseph Donoghue, Wil-
liam Nelson, William C. Lytle, Leonard Picket, J.
William Showaker, Isaac Smith, John Leech, Jr.,
and John M. Putter.
The original members were Capt. John W^illiams
an.l wife, Davis Simpson and wife, John Showaker,
Mi-s Jane Gossner, James Martin, William W.
Withers, Miss Ann Withers, Mrs. Francis Lytle,
Cieorge Pogson and wife, and possiblv one or two
others.
The following have been the rectors : Rev. Dr. B. B.
Killikelly (from the beginning to 1863), Rev. William
A. White, Rev. Mr. Ash, Rev. Mr. Brouse (from 1872
to 1875), Mr. Burrows (from 1875 to 1870), Rev.
Henry C. Pastoriu^ and from 1879 to the present
time. Rev. J. Me.Vlj.inc Harding.
The present vestrymen are John Hocking, Henry
Conner, Samuel A. Hughes, Esq., Thomas H. Webb,
Christian J. Rapp, John B. Murr.ay, and Capt. Charles
D<,ble. The wardens are Christian J. Rapp an.l Capt.
Doble; Sccretarv, John Hocking; Treasurer, Capt.
Dohle.
The church was built by voluntary contributions,
and it is free of debt. Seating capacity, two hundred.
Pews free. Value, two thousand d.dlars. Services,
alternate Sundays in the afternoon. Sunday-school is
held in the church six months in each year; averaee
attendance, eighty. Ollicers of the Sunday-school,
John Hocking, superintendent; Thomas H. Webb,
librarian ; and Ca[it. Doble, secretary and treasurer.
Settlers in Bart.— The following were inhabitants
.<Lithiir.\nJiew=.. Sari.uul CouU«r.
Ilri'i
Williiim I
Siiniuel [I
WUIiaii. ]
Duvid lUiinith.
HieroDyniiis lleckniE
llonry Heidclboiigli.
Bjfu
Duble.
lAO
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Henry Heckm.ui.
Jiiinesllcniy.
Put.icfc Henry.
J.icub Hickuraii.
Patrick McTire
Henry Miller.
Pady McCherry
J.din McCarter.
Jiiniea Ili.rvey.
Francis McHrld
Jiimus Ilnalon.
TTiiCriel llolmes.
Richard Ivers.
F.a..oisNeaff.
Henry Null.
William Noble.
Sllimiel Jenkins.
Samnel Kyle.
Dounken ICiiniin.
Ow.n O'Neil.
Samnel I'uxton.
.\ndre« Paxton
Thomus Ivunudy.
Daniel Kiiniidy.
John Paxton.
John P.il.
Tln.inas Lackey.
Lawrence Liskey.
Si, mud Itamsey
U.il,erl Itumsey
George Leonard.
Jacob Loaey.
James Laskey.
William McClure.
Thomas liamsey
Uoh.rt llnmsey
Daniel UeeJ.
W.Uiam Itichar
Arcliil.aUl McDowoll.
John Richsldso
James McClure.
.\i,dr,.«- liusicd.
Wilhani Mailing.
Jolm McCarlei.
Mo.es McCarter.
Ih-njy Hotkey.
1%-t.r Sli.arer.
entee of six huiulred acres ardiind Georgetown;
William MfCliire, the greal-gramirather of Joseph
McClure, near Green Tree inn, 1750; John Noble,
William Laughlin, Josiah Kern, Ale.xantler Mc-
Dowell, Alexander Works, William Brasson, Thomas
Smith, James Laughlin, Ale.xan(ler Gallutly," Joseph
Miller, James JliUer, Henry Eekman, Jacob Eck-
iiian, 1703; Abraham Behm, Jacob Behm, 1757; Ben-
jamin Graff, 171)8; Samuel Johnson, 1769; Patrick
Ewing, a justice of the peace in 1777, and in 1784
elected a councilor; Gottlieb Hartman, Rev. Juliii
Smith, John Culhertson, 1780; William Richardson,
Andrew Miller, 1790; Robert Risk, George Jlilhirt,
1S07.
The following is a list of non-associators that were
assessed three ])(junds ten shillings each in 1777:
Marl
Alexan.ler Mays,
Martin Miller.
Isaiah McUride.
George Morrow.
Jamea Miller.
Siimuel filoore.
Matthew Seoy.
Widow Scott.
Micliael Tiout.
Robert Teniiilel
Andrew \Vork, Esq., was elected county commis-
sioner in 1744, and sheriff in 1749-50. He was
appointed a justice of the peace in 1750, and he
commanded a company of associators in the French
and Lidiaii war. He was a magistrate till 1793. He
was probably well advanced in years at the time of
the Revolutionary war, or he would have taken a
more active part in the struggle. Samuel Ramsey, of
Bart, was his lieutenant in 1756, and Jtdm McCarter,
of the same township, was his ensign. In 1758 there
were also Samuel, John, and Alexander Work, prob-
ably brothers of Andrew, George Warfel, David
Wales, John Witinore, Joseph Walker, Conrad Waltz,
Jacob Waggoner, George White, James WiUson,
David Watson, James Wilson, Matthew Young.
In 1750, James Snodgrass died, leaving children, —
William, Ann, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary, James. The
same year Alexander Snodgrass left children, —
William, James, Robert, Alexander, and Thomas.
In 1784, Hieronymus Eckmaii left children,—
John Martin, Barbara, Eve, Jacob, Hieionymus,
Magdalena, and Esther.
In 1787, James Miller left children, Eleanor and
Andrew.
In addition to these it appears that the following
were residents of the township, or owned land
therein: John Kyle, prior to 1730; Samuel Kyle,
1742; Leonard File, James Money, Thomas Cooper,
Calvin Cooper, Samuel Tatta, William Slaymaker,
1744; William Downing, before 1747, in which year
he built a mill ; Felix 15aughman, the original pat-
James Kullu
JohuCil.lsH.
Daniel McCready.
BART TOWNSHIP.
«71
Henry Ruckey.
Julin Umimey.
Agness liiclmrdsoii
Aruhil.iil.l Mc-Kea.iy
Robert KiUiiM-y A S.
Widow RaniSL-y.
George Ruckey.
Jolui liiisdell.
^ Wiiliain Spenie.
Iloliu.tWilar.n.
Alvxan.ler SIcBriUa
Jumes Thumi.bon.
Saumel Slmiiun.
Julii, C.tliniii.
The justices of the
peace elected in llie townsliip of
Bart since 1840 have
been
1840. John Kid,!.
1805. John Jl. IleyLargor.
James CulJwell.
WilliumS. JViroe.
1846. John Kid,l.
1807. (leu.-u \Vliil,,..i.
JiiMies CuMwell.
187U S„mud A. Hughes.
1880. James ftiUlwell.
1872. Ueurgo Wiiiteoii.
18il. U;hvrt Kv;u>8.
1875. Smju.I a. Hughes,
l«oo. Willh.mS.Fe,re6.
1877. Ileiuy Banghmun.
Isuiic Slmrp.
1880. Sumiiel A. II.ighe».
I860. John M. ilfvberger.
1.M8J. Ila.vej B^ughmniK
Wilh.,n, S. Fe, ,ee. |
Georgetown.' — This town was laid out in 1819 by
Samuel Ferguson, who was then the owner of three
hiiiulred acres of laud here, thirty of wliich he laid
out in town lots, which he disposed of by lottery.
The shares or tickets in this lottery were sold at
sixty dollars each, and there were no blanks to be
drawn. The two grand prizes were the tavern-house
and lot, valued at three thousand dollars, and a lot
on the opposite corner, where now is the residence of
James 1'. lUissel, on which there was a blacksmith-
shop, valued at three hundred dollars.
There were then in the town nine dwellings, three
of which were hotels or licensed taverns, and two
stores. The place bore the undesirable and inelegant
name of Hardscrabble, by which it was known during
many years. The Hardscrabble Fair was at that time
a great institution, usually commencing on the first
Thursday in August and continuing three days.
The town has had a gradual steady growth, and it
now has forty dwelling-houses, some of them double,
forty-nine families, and one hundred and ninety in-
habitants.
The following are tlie business establishments in
the town: Atkins & Palmer, general merchandise
and drugs ; William S. Ferree, general merchandise;
James P. Russel, variety and confectionery-store ;
Benjamin Fritz, hotel ; Charles Quigley and William
Starret, blacksmiths ; Joseph Scott, wagon-maker ;
1 lly William S. Forree, Ksq.
Solomon Ilanier and George Pogson, shoemakers;
Rea I'hamberlin, saddler; Ellis P. Moore, dentist
and piintcr; Jolm Martin and Jerome Keeley, physi-
cians; Je.',=.e i'\lcColester, tailor; Samuel A. Hughes,
justice of the peace. The town has two well-kept
schools, aod it is a pleasant country village.
Nickel-Mines. — This hamlet, one and a half miles
north from Georgetown, has been spoken of in the
history of the mines. Bartville, in the southern part,
near the line between Bart and Colerain, has a store
and a few houses. Nine Points, so named from the
convergence of several roads at that point, is in the
southeastern part, and in addition to a collection
of dwellings, there is a store there. Mount Pleasant
is, as its name indicates, a pleasant and thriving
hamlet.
Green Tree. — When and by whom Green Tree Inn
w:is built is not certainly known. The first patentee
of the land at that time was George Leonard, who
on the (ith of November, 1739, took up one hundred
and four acres. This he sold to James McConnell
Nov. 12, 1742. It afterward became the property of
John McCarter, who sold a part of it, with other par-
cels of land, to James Parry. In 1763 Mr. Parry
sold to Thomas and William Smith. These gentle-
men, who had been the owners of Martic furnace,
laid out a town here called, after them, Smithsburg.
The town included nineteen acres, and was shaped
like a boot, with the toe pointing up along the east
side of the run at thai place. James Fulton, a son-
in-law of Mr. Smith, and afterward the father of the
famous Robert Fulton, became a purchaser from Mr.
Smith, and in 1704 he sold to Robert Thompson, of
Bart, a shopkeeper, after whom it was for a time
called Thompsontown. No vestige of the town is
to be seen, but the old inn remains with but little
change, a veritable relic of the long ago. The quaint
old sign-board, with the original device, a tree in full
foliage, i)ainted thereon, still invites the weary way-
farer to rest beneath the roof that has been a shelter
for travelers during (irobably a century and a half.
One or two mechanic shops are near the inn, and the
township elections have long been held there.
HIOGKArHIGAL SKETCH.
J.\MK.S J.40KS0.\.
James Jackson w.is born in Londonderry township,
I Chester Co., Pa., on the IGtIi of the fourth month
! (April), 18U5. He was the descendant, in the sixth
j generation, from first, Anthony Jackson, who was born
in Eccleston, parish of St. Michael, Lancashire, Eng-
land, about the beginning of the second quarter of
j the seventeenth century, settled with an elder brother,
Richard, in 1(549, in Lurgan, Province of Ulster,
I Ireland.
672
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUxXTY".
Second, Isaac Jackson, born in 1605, married Ann,
dangliter of Rowland Evans, County of Wicklow, |
Feb. 20, KiOG (0. S.), emigrated to America iii 1725, '
settled at Harmony Grove Farm, near West Gnne ,
village, Cbcster Co., and died in 1750, aged eighty- ]
six years. Isaac and Ann Jackson bad ten ebildren,
viz.: Rebecca, Tbomas, Isaac (1st), Alice, AViUiam, I
Mary, James, Isaac (2d), John, and Isaac (3d). I
Third, William Jackson, lillh child above, born
Feb. 24, 1705, marri. .1, Sf|.t. 1), ]70;i, Katharine,
daughter of James and Katharine Miller, members
of Tunahoe Jleeting of Friends in Ireland. William
died Nov. 24, 1785, aged eighty years. His wife died
April 12, 1781. He is described as a man of "in-
dustry, frugality, and unswerving integrity."
Fourth, James Jackson, born Nov. 3, 173(J, married
JIary, daughter of Joseph and Susanna (MiMcr)
Jackson, June 19, 17G0, who was born March 27,
]73><, died Aug. 30, 1812. .Tames dic<l April 11,
1817.
Fifth, Josiab Jackson, born Jan. 17, 1773, married
JIary, daughter of Caleb and Ruhaney Sharpless, of
Christiana Hundred, Del., Jan. 30, 1799, who was
born Aug. 20, 1777, and died March 20, 1817.
Sixth, James Jackson, subject of this sketch. On
his mother's side he was a lineal descendant of John
and Ann Sharpless, who left England on account of
religious persecution, being followers of George Fox,
as were also the Jacksons. They landed at Upland,
now Chester, Pa., on the 14th of sixth montli, 1082
(O. S.). Taking their few efiects, they wended their
way up Ridley Creek about a mile and a half, and
built their cabin in the wilderness, against a large rock.
He took up a large tract of land, most of which after
the lapse of two hundred years is still owned by the
Sharplos iiimily. Josiah Jackson, father of James,
died wlicM the latter was but twelve yearsof age. His
mother being a woman of energy and perseverance,
took upon herself the charge of the homestead, some-
what encumbered with debt, kept her boys at work,
sending them to school only a few weeks in the winter
season, and as they arrived at what she thought a
suitable age, had them apprenliced to learn trades,
much, however, against the wislies of her son James,
whose strong inclination and desire was to study law,
witli a view eventually of following that profession ;
but being overruled in his wishes by his mother, he
was sent to Duponl's Rank to learn the trade of a
luller, or woolen manufacturer. The society into
which he was thus thrown would have wrecked many
characters, as it was one in which hard drink was the
custom; but his " Jackson firmness" preserved him,
and after serving liis time as an apprentice, and re-
maining a nliort time as a journeyman, he visited
home lor a few months, and returned again to the
factory, but not to tarry long, for scarcely had he
commenced work, when lie was called upon to furnish
money to treat all the' hands in the Mjill. Giving the
money, he lelt his loom and resigned his place, where-
upo
d to
ictory.
mill."
Afterrfhis he bought a
erected thereon a small
on business a few years, durini;
ried Abigail Rake^traw, dau
Marv (Li
Her fath.
who emi
ther's farm, and
hich he carried
1 time he mar-
)f Thomas and
ncott) Rakestraw, 8th nionth 20th, 1829.
■as the grandson of Anthony Rakestraw,
ted from Wales. Her mother was of
English extraction, her ancestry being traced back
to the Lipjiincotts, who were also Friends and left
England hoping to find religious liberty in the colony
of Massachusetts ; but during the terrible persecu-
tions of the Friends there they returned to the
mother-country, but afterwards tried their fortunes in
the New World in New Jersey, about the time of the
settlement of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Jackson continued to carry on the factory about
two years after his marriage, but it not agreeing with
bis health to work in the mill, he sold his small farm
and factory, and bought a much larger farm adjoin-
ing, where he pursued the business of agriculture'
until 1841, when he moved to Bart township, Lancas-
ter County, settling on the farm now owned by his
son, James J. Jackson. Here for a number of years
he carried on the lime busin.ss^ al-o improved Ida
larm, and erected thereon a lull mI ollaiin buildings.
In the year 1872 he built loi himself a new house
on the part of his farm now owned by his daiigliter,
Lydia F. Jackson, where he lived till his death, 4th
:nitl
0th, 18S1. His V
lere buried at the ^
recommended
5 very liberal i
They ■
groun
He
Friends, was v
no creeds, dogmas, or
reason or philosophy. H
such as Jesus taiy;ht,
works than in mysterious
est intellect cannot uni
rt Me,
iionth 3d, 1881.
Ilon^e burying-
bfli^.f,
ies, th;
lie \
the Society of
subscribed to
nsistent with
-day religion,
her in good
the profound-
i one of the
early abolitionists, and hi- <io.ii was always open to
the Hying iugitive, wlnnn he would help on his way
to a place of safety. In 1852, during the excitement
attending the "Christiana Riot," he was indicted for
high treason, though he was not on the ground dur-
ing the light, but went there after hearing the reports
of the guns. , Through the leniency of the marshal,
Anthony I!. Roberts, he was never arrested, but his
family sull'ered great annoyances, the house being
twice searched by bands of roughs who were hunting
for colored men he had bad in his employ, and they
often knew that spies were watching them. He was
opposed U> all war, w.is a str.mg advocate of temper-
ance, not much of a polilinan, but, if he did vote, he
was first a Whig and allcrwards a Republican. As a
monev-loaner he was cauUous, but very conscientious,
never taking a bonus IV. mi any one, but often loaidng
his monev below the legal rate. No man in his
\\
li
^^^^/-^t^^ / ^l^/^-.
BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP.
673
neighborhood was more uniformly respected. As a
religious teacher he was most highly esteemed in
the Society of Friends, and his memory is greatly re-
vered, not only by his large family of children and
grandchildren, but by the entire community in which
he spent a long and useful life.
The children of James and Abitrail Juck^ju are as
follows: Mary R., born July 4, KS.'id, wife of Jo.-ciih
H. Brosius, a farmer in Sadsbury township (three
children," Ella, Idella, and Anna Mary); Thomas R.,
born Nov. 28, 1832, drowned Aug. 28, 1834; Eliza,
born May 7, 1834, wife of Tliomas Baker, farmer in
Coleraine township (five children living, — Abbie, Al-
lison, James Eui^ene, Xanthus, and Lewis); Edith
Ann, born July 22, 1835, died Dec. 13, 1842; Lydia
T., born April 7, 1837, lived with her father and
mother until their death, at present time with her
brother, James J.; William L., born March 15, 1839,
married Lydia W., daughter of George and Hannah
Walton, born Dec. 2G, 1842, farmer in Sadsbury
township (five children, Hannah B., James H., Mary
F., Elsie Louisa, and Jessie W.) ; Thomas Elwood,
born Sept. 5, 1842, farmer in Bart township, married
Annetta Lucilla, daughter of Owen and Sarah Ann
Williams, who was born May 14, 1841 (children,
James Norwood and Thomas Baker) ; James Josiah,
born Nov. 4, 1845, owning and occupying the home-
stead farm, married Josephine, daughter of Abner
and Abbie (Andrews) Davis, who was born .March KJ,
1849 (children, Abner Davis, Abbie, Alley Klwooil,
Bertha Kirkwood, and Ralph Garfield).
CHAPTER XXXIX.
BRECKNOCK TOWNaHIP.i
This was not one of the original townships erected
in 1729. Careful research in the Quarter Sessions
records fails to show that any petition was presented
or any action of the court taken in reference to the
organization of a township by this name. The first
record of the county commissioners contains the as-
sessments of the difi'erent townships, but the name
of Brecknock does not appear until Jan. 10, 1740,
when the township is mentioned with an assessed
valuation of £2 2s. Leonard Pridestou was the col-
lector. The lack of a record of the organization of
Brecknock renders it difficult to determine from what
township it was taken or what was the extent of its
territory. In 1752, when Berks County was erected,
the northeast ]>ortion of the township became a part
of thai county, ami retained the name of Brecknock
iu the new organization. Since that time the terri-
tory of the township has remained unchanged.
1 By Johu B.
The name Brecknock, as well as that of the ad-
joining township of Caernarvon, is of Welsh origin.
There were early settlers, immigrants from Wales,
who scught and found homes along the head-waters
of the Conestoga. It was but natural for them to
transplant 'names fiimiliar and dear to them in the
ocean.
The surface of this townsliip is diversified by hills,
generally rocky and wooded, and valleys traversed by
streams of clear water. From the summits of some
of the hills situated in its northern portion, the Fur-
nace Ridge, sjmrs of the ISlue Mountains, are descried
towards the north, rearing their blue, misty fi)nns in
the dim distance. Its south and west borders are
fin'med by branches of Muddy Creek, which, with
one or two other branches that traverse the interior,
combine to form the Big Muddy Creek, which falls
into the Conestoga at Ilinkletown. On the north-
east it is bounded on Berks County by a line running
northwest and ;-uutliea>t through a very rough and
mountainous cduiitiy, where in some localities un-
wiehly iron rocks are piled on each other iu huge
pyramids. Here the magnetic needle, attracted by
ferruginous matter in the earth, deviates in some
places ten to twelve degrees from its true position.
There are traditions that Swiss emigrants settled
here because they thought the face of the country
resembled the rugged scenery of their old homes.
Among others there was a family named Mosser, who
owned a large tract of this mountainous territory,
which was generally known in the neighborhood as
" Die Schweitz." There are several places here that
almost deserve the title of natural curiosities. One
is known as "The Devil's Cave," a collection of large
bowlders piled on each other in confuwion. It appears
as if the earth had been gradually washed away from
between these rocks, leaving large openings wide
enough for a human being to enter to a considerable
distance and in various directions. Another is called
" The Rock Cellar." This is an apartment of consid-
erable dimensions, of regular shape, formed in the
solid rocks, easy of access, with light through the
crevices of the walls. Here it is well known that
drafted militiamen during tlie Revolutionary war,
preferring the lives of hermits to the dangers of the
Continental army in the tented field, found a compara-
tively sale ret,reat Irom the pursuit of the provost-mar-
shal's guard. One of these refugees was a cooper by
trade, and iu these mountain solitudes followed his
occupation, where, no doubt, there was a plentiful
supply of wood for staves and hoop-poles.
The first settlements seem to have been made in
the valleys of the Black Muddy Creek and that branch
on which Good's mill was erected. The earliest war-
rants issued out of the land-oifice bear date in 1737.
On Jan. 9, 1737, a warrant was obtained by ilobert
Warburton, in jiursuance of which a tract of one Inin-
674
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
dred and seventy-seven acres and the usual allowance
of six per cent, for roads was surveyed. This tract ex-
tended across Black Muddy Creek into Earl township.
The title to it, by mesne conveyances, having become
vested in William Morris, he obtained a patent for it
dated Jan. 21, 1768.
In pursuance of another warrant dated Dec. 21,
1737, a tract of two hundred and thirty-one acres and
allowance was surveyed on May 13, 173S, and also pat-
ented to said William Morris, Oct. 12, 1742. This
tract adjoins the above and also extended into Earl
township.
The name of William Morris stands prominent
among the early settlers of Brecknock. Who he was
and where he came from is not known, but the orthog-
raphy of his name indicates rather Welsh than Teu-
tonic extraction. He purchased extensive tracts of
land from the Penns, who were the proprietors of the
soil, and some time afterwards, on having sold a part
of said land to Jacob Schneder, erected substantial
sandstones, with the initials of his name legibly en-
graved thereon, as landmarks to designate the boun-
daries of his estate.
From one to two miles farther north, on another
branch of Muddy Creek, near the site of the present
village of Bowmansville, Jacob Good' and Christian
Good, two brothers, with their brother-in-law, John
Musselman, with their respective families, settled
about the same time. These emigrants were Men-
nonites from the Palatinate. As the adjoining town-
ship of Ear! and the valley of the Conestoga in gen-
eral had been settled at an earlier period, principally
by emigrants from the same country and of like relig-
ious faith, they received considerable friendly assist-
ance from that quarter. Jacob Gooil, arriving at the
spot chosen for the erection of his new home, on the
right bank of the stream, a short distance below the
confluence of the two forks of the middle branch of
Muddy Creek, about a mile below Bowmansville, took
lodging under the inviting shelter of a patriarchal
white-oak tree, where he deposited such household
goods as he had brought along with him, and with
the assistance of his friends, the Zimmermans, from
Earl, commenced the erection of such a house as the
times and circumstances would permit. lie at once
purchased the ground on which he had settled with
his family. The deed, which is from John Penn, is
dated in 1738, and embraced a tract of six hundred
and twenty-eight acres and the usual allowance.
This new home was completely isolated from the
rest of the civilized world. Its inmates were ignorant
of the existence of any neiglibors until one day the
clarion vpice of a cock greeted the ears of the pnter-
fami/iim wliile wandering through the woods at some
distance from his liouse. This led to the joyous dis-
covery that other settlers had also come to the same
neighborhood. Then their Immediate surroundiiifrs
■iginally were Gutb aud 1
were anything but assuring and calculated to inspire
I them with confidence. The country was a wilderness,
one vast forest, inhabited by wild beasts and Indians.
As yet there were no roads, no houses, gardens, fields,
or orchards.
Jacob Ciood had but two children, both sons, named
respectively Peter and Jacob. He divided the ample
Iiaternal domain equally between them. Peter with
his family afterwards removed to Cumberland County.
The younger Jacob was twice married, and had five
sons and one daughter with his first and four sons and
one daughter with his second wife. With his liiat
wife and her children he emigrated to Virginia. His
descendants by his first wife are still residing in the
neighborhood, some of them on part of the original
tract.
Half a mile higher up on the south fork of aaid
branch of Muddy Creek, and about a quarter of a mile
south from Bowmansville, Christian Good, brother of
Jacob Good, the elder, settled, and erected the first
grist-mill in the township, occupying the spot where
the large fiouring-mill of Mr. Henry Von Neida is
now situated. The original tract on which this brother
settled was bounded on the north by a line running
nearly due east and west through the present village
of Bowmansville; on the west by the stream forming
the boundary between him and his brother Jacob
until its confluence with the mill-stream, thence south-
erly to Casper Messner's land, which adjoined it on the
south. On the east its boundaries are riot definitely
known. WHiile this tract included a large area, it is
believed that it was still considerably smaller than the
extensive territory of his brother.
Whether the mill was built originally of wood or
stone is not known, but tradition says that the mill
and the dwelling were all under .one roof. Later a
stone mill and se|)arate stone dwelling-houses were
erected, which were removed to make places for more
modern structures within the memory of many persona
now living. In one of these dwellings religious ser-
vices were held before the erection of a separate meet-
ing-house. It is possible tluit there was a time when
the same building simultaneously served the purposes
of a mill, dwelling-house, and church.
Christian Good raised a family of seventeen chil-
dren, — six sons and eleven daughters. One of the
sons, named Jacob, was the grandfather of the com-
jiiler of these memoirs. His will remains on file
among the old and musty papers in tlie register's ofiico
at Lancaster. It is dated Muddy Creek, Aug. 11, 1757.
There is a paper filed with it which serves but a poor
apology for a translation. A memorandum of its pro-
bate in Will-Book B, page 184, states that the will,
being -in German, could not be recorded. The will
commences with a quotation from Hebrew ix. 17:
" A testament is of force after men are dead," and
provides that the widow (named Magdalena) and
children should continue the family till the youngest
was fourteen years old. The executors were Marks
BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP.
675
Groff (believed to be a son of tbe famous Hans) and
John Good, tbe oldest son, and concludes witli an
exhortation to tbe latter to be a proper example to
his younger brothers and sisters, wbile tbey in turn
are admonished to be obedient and subject to him.
At the same time U737) John Musselman located
on a tract of land about one niile north from tbe mill,
and along the north fork of said branch of Muddy
Creek, where until lately some of his lineal descendants
resided, who used to relate the sayings of their great-
grandsire, that when be wisiied to earn a regular day's
wages he could not obtain work nearer home than in
the neighborhood of New Holland, a distance of over
eight miles. Between the Christian Good and John
Musselman tracts a farm of one hundred and thirty
acres was located, which at the time of the Revolu-
tion and afterwards belonged to Ullich Burkholder,
of whom more will be said hereafter.
About one mile farther north from Musselmau's
place Francis Diller, a Swiss, erected the first distil-
lery in Brecknock, on land which until recently be-
longed to the Steffys. Farther south from the place
where the Goods first settled, on both sides of the
creek, Francis Eckert took up the tract of land after-
wards owned by the Messners, and east of the Goods'
settlement Hermann Deis settled on a tract afterwards
owned by tbe Kern family.
Another tract of land containing two hundred and
seventy acres and allowance was surveyed in pursu-
ance of a warrant issued to Casper Mason, wiiich was
the Anglicized name of Messner, dated June 15, 174S,
afterwards patented to liini Dec. 11, 17G0, the patent
being recorded at Philadelphia, in Patent-Book .\A,
vol. ii. page 118. This tract adjoined the herein-
before named Jacob Good and Christian Good and
others.
Probably about the date of this patent the dwell-
ing-house, which still remains standing and continues
to be used as a farm-house, was erected on this tract.
It is a two-story stone building, with high peaked
roof, resting on extraordinary heavy framework, the
main rafters of which are over a foot in thickness.
There are still some outbuildings in the yard covered
with tile which in all probability once formed a [jart
of the roof of this house. There are only two apart-
ments on the first floor, a kitchen and a room with an
enormously large stone chimney between them, con-
taining a proportionately capacious fireplace on the
first floor in the kitchen, and a smaller fireidace on
the second floor, the chimney being double from tbe
second floor upwards. The window-sashes, originally
of lead, have long ago been changed into wooden sash,
except a small remnant of the old relic which still
remains in one of the kitchen windows.
Tradition says that at the period of its erection a
two-story stone dwelling of such size and character
was an object of wonder and ctiriosity, and that num-
bers of visitors from 'the valley of the Conestoga c^mie
. to behold the architectural skill and splendor dis-
played in the erection of this, in their eyes, so mag-
I nificent a structure.
I Jacob Schneder, a man remarkable in the early
histSry of Brecknock township, on account of the ad-
vanced age to which he lived and the extensive tracts
of land he owned in his time, purchased this property
for his son, Baltzer Schneder, who moved on it April
15, 1706. He in turn sold it to Christian Pleam, who
died in the old house March 13, 1877.
It appears that Jacob Schneder must have been
born about the time these early settlers first came
into tbe township, for he died on his old homestead,
near Centre Church, July 9, 1829, at the age of ninety-
four years. He had been married at the age of sev-
enty-five years to a woman named Kafroth. It is
related of him that he was displeased with his sou
I Baltzer because he had married a poor girl named
Kitzmiller, but ultimately relented and purchased the
I plantation above mentioned for him.
The original mansion on the William Marris tract,
I near Centre Church, in East Earl township, in which
the aged patriarch, Jacob Schneder, died, though
changed and modernized, has its old walls still staud-
I ing, and is occupied and used as a farm-house.
I About one mile south of Bowmansville a man
j named John Boehm commenced the erection of a
I large two-story stone dwelling-house. The breaking
out of the war of the Revolution and the consequent
I dispersion of the workmen, who either volunteered or
were drafted into the patriot army, interrupted the
l>rogress of the building, and the structure remained
incomplete until the close of the war. Thi.s dwell-
ing-house is peculiar in its arrangement. The
kitchen, with a large fireplace, is built in front of
the main dwelling and attached to it. There are
fireplaces arranged for burning wctod on each side of
I the house. The house is well and substantially built,
and is still in a good state of preservation.
John Boehm, tbe pro])rietor of this mansion, was
a man of courage and resolution. During the Revo-
I lutiouary war some evil-diposed persons took advan-
tage of the non-resistant principles of the Mennonite
settlers in the neighborhood. These iniquitous fel-
lows pretended to be government oflScers, commis-
sioned to impress horses, grain, and other valuable
military stores, which they fraudulently appropriated
to their own use. One Sunday it happened that
while Mr. Boehm attended divine worship, then held
by the Mennonite society in a private house, Good's
mill, one of these men made a raid into the neiglibor-
hood, and had already captured several valuable
horses and was about to carry them off, when Mr.
Boehm was informed of the matter. He at once left
the house where tbe religious service was held, pur-
sued the robber, and when be overtook him attacked
him so vigorously with a piece of broken fence-rail
igorously wi
that he surrendered
turned in triumph wi
horses to their owner;
at di;
troiib;
the victor re-
restored the
676
HISTORY" OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Tliere was a very hirge two-story stone dwelling- j
house, witli stone kitelien attached, built in the valley
of the Black Muddy Creek, on a i)ortion of the land
originally purchased from the proprietaries hy the I
before-named William Blorris. It was erected in
1795, by Christian Schiieder. The carpenter em-
ployed in its construction was Henry Oood, who, it
seems, was also the architect of a inimlicr ut' other
buildings completed about that iierind. The front
is of regular cut hrown sandstone, which has re-
mained in almost perfect preservation to the present
day. Another, perhaps yet larger, dwelling of .simi-
lar architectural style was erected in the same neigh-
borhood by Peter lioehm in 18(12. There is a hall in
the middle of the building, with rooms containing
old-fashioned fireplaces, and the kitchen, with large
fireplace on either side and brick or mortar lloor,
attached in the rear.
About the year 1740 the township was organized,
and a tax amounting to one pound twelve shillings
was assessed on its inhabitants. Leonard Pridenstow
viaa appointe<l tax-collector. Part of the original
territory of Brecknock, as also of that of the adjoining
township of Caernarvon, extended into the present
county of lierks. In 1752, Berks being erected into
a separate county, the division line cut off portions
of both these townships, which now are known as
Brecknock and Caernarvon townships, in Berks
County.
Two important roads, laid out prior to 17C2, tra-
verse the township north and south nearly parallel to
each other. One leads from the Blue Ball through
the village of Bowmansville, since 1833 known as the
State road ; the other leads from the present village
of Fairville (Terre Hill P. O.), past the Dry Tavern
(Muddy Creek P. O.), to Adamstown. Both these
ancient roads are crossed — the former at Bowmans-
ville and the latter at the Dry Tavern— by another
old thoroughfare leading from the Plow Tavern to
Reamstown.
At the close of the Revolutionary war the follow-
ing were the principal lami-owners in the township :
Of the mill appearing in this list as the property
of Jacob Fonieda (whose right name was Von Niodu)
it may be observed that the mill is situate on that
branch of Muddy Creek forming the western bound-
ary line of the township, about one mile south of
Adamstown. Peter Sharp died in 17G4, the owner of
this property, consisting then of one hundred and
seventy acres. In 1780 it became the property of
John Shaup, wdio in 1785 sold it to Jacob Von Nieda,
who in 1814 sold the mil
quarter acres to his son,
whose death, in 1847, it Ix
youngest son, William Voi
with twenty-nine and a
Philip Von Nieda, after
came the property of Ins
Nieda, Esq., from whom
it i>asseil into tlie hands of its jirescnt owner, Andrew
Emmert.
About two miles lower down tlie same stream is the
mill property in above list mentioned as belonging to
Martin Frey. lu 1830 the present mill, whose site is
about a quartet of a mile lower down the stream, wks
erected by Ephraim Shober, after whose death it
passed into the hands of bis son, Reuben E. Shober,
Esq., who now runs it.
Another mill existed from early times on Muddy
Creek, in the southwestern part of the townshiji, in
the above list mentioned as belonging to Dr. Samuel
Martin. Since that time it has been known as Lu-
pold's mill, Overholzer's mill, and Sensenig's mill.
Samuel Sensenig is its present owner.
Another mill, not appearing on above list, is situ-
ate on Muddy Creek, a short distance below the Dry
Tavern, where the saw-mill of Abraham Bixler, Esq.,
who died there in 1847, was situate. After his death
George Martin built the present grist- and saw-mill,
now ftwned by Peter B. Oood.
From the list it apjiears that at that time Peter
Good was the proprietor of a saw-mill and hemp-mill.
This latter was a machine for prei)aring the fibre of
hemp for spinning. A large slone, in the shape of
the frustnim of a cone, was made to roll by machinery.
BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP.
677
propelled by water-power on the hemp spread out on
a circular tioor prepared for the purpose.
At that time all the grist-mills spoken of had special
machinery adapted to the luilling of spelt [Tritkuin
Spella, a cereal resembling wheat, but covered with
thick husks), which had been brought by the early
immigrants from their old homes across the water.
It was also called " German wheat." ]5ut the cultiva-
tion of hemp and spelt has long since been abandoned,
aud mills of that kind are no longer in use.
The only physician who flourished in these primi-
tive times in Brecknock was the above-named Dr.
Samuel Martin, who owned the mill and farm spoken
of before. This man did not pretend to have any
scientific knowledge of medicine, but practiced uro-
scopy and incantations or powwows in connection
with tlie use of home-made salves and nostrums.
Among these may prominently be mentioned brand-
pulver (mortification powders), blutreinigung (blood
purifier), and a salve to heal fractured bones. Among
his cabalistic feats the stanching of bleeding wounds
was his grand forte. Patients in danger of bleeding
to death, whom the doctor never saw and who were
miles away, were by him instantly cured. C'liildren
and grown persons suffering from the inleriial arts (jf
witches were promptly relieved by this wonderful
doctor. Such is the tradition.
From his experience he became skilled in some
degree in certain siiecial departments of liis jirofes-
sion, and if tradition can be trusted to any extent lie
performed astonishing cures in cases of fractured
bones and by the application of his specific medi-
cines. After his death his son, Peter Martiu, con-
tinued the practice of his father's profession. His
practice increased and extended, not only into the
neighboring townships but also into lierks County.
He acquired some property by his business. Since
his death, about 1850, his son, Dr. Samuel Martin,
has continued the business, residing still near tlie old
place.
Since the year 1845 the village of liowmansville
has been alniast constantly the residence of a i>ractic-
ing physician. Dr. A. H. Kissinger, who now resides
there, is an old practitioner of experience and exten-
sive practice.
For a considerable length of time the people, not
having any houses specially dedicated to Divine wor-
ship, those of them of the Mennonitc faith held their
meetings in private dwellings. As has already been
remarked, the plain, one-story stone dwelling-house,
which stood near Good's mill, on land originally
taken up by Christian Good, near liowmansville,
while occupied by the Good family, was used for this
purpose.'
About the beginning of the present century, or a
few years earlier (1794), a meeting-house was built on
ground now occupied by tlie village of liowmans-
ville. It was a plain, one-story structure, built of
stone, similar in plan and arrangement to ulher
Mennonitc meeting-houses so common iu Lancaster
County. About four or five feet above the ground
there was an otl'sel of about three or four inches on
the.outside of the wall, that is, from that height the
wall was three or four inches thinner than below that
point. "I'radition says that, while the walls were thus
in course of construction, some zealous brother ob-
jected that this was a violation of the law of plain-
ness and simplicity of style of building. Whereupon
Henry Good, the chief carpenter, remarked that after
all the building was not by any means as ornate or im-
posing as the temple built by Solomon.
The burying-ground, the sacred " Gottes Acker,"
was and is still located half-way between Good's mill
and the Cross-Roads, where a grove of lofty pine-trees
has, probably for a century, been sighing a solemn
requiem over the graves of the dea<l. The oldest
monuments here date back to 1767. These are mere
rude sandstones, with initials and date. Imagination
may busy itself in guessing who were first interred
here. It is probable that it was some member of the
Good family, who came into this neighborhood in 1737,
— a conjecture that seems warranted by the initials
that are still legible on the moss-grown stones.
Of the earlier ministers, who served these primi-
tive congregations, nothing, not even their names, is
known. Those of them whose names have come
down to our time, probably fiourished during the latter
part of the last and the beginning of the present cen-
tury. Their names were Daniel Gehman' and Ulric
Ilurkholder, both natives of Switzerland. The former
had a wonderful reputation for a species of clairvoy-
ance, by means of which the courses of subterranean
streams of water were as familiar to him as those
flowing on the surface are to ordinary persons. His
services were solicited by well-diggers from far and
near to direct them where to find water. Tradition
says his predictions were always reliable, and his ut-
terances infallible. Moreover, it was also currently
reported, and generally believed, that his knowledge
of the mysterious was not confined to the liidden
streams of water liowing underground, but that he
also knew of rich deposits of ore of the precious
metals; of gold mines vast and boundless, like those
read of in fairy tales. Unfortunately for the lovers
of mammon, he was a scrupulously ])lain man, whose
conscience would not permit him to divulge the se-
cret, for fear that the discovery of such fabulous
wealth might stimulate a taste for luxury and pride,
and thus the secret was buried with him.
Tradition lias also lianded down to our times the
following saying of his: " In that part of Switzerland
in which he resided, prior to his emigration, there
occurred a summer during which no rain fell at all,
aud yet such heavy dews descended on the earth that
678
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
the water thereof filled tlie wagon ruts in such abund-
ance that sheep could drink out of them." He
wa.'s the father of Christian Gehman, who served these
congregations as a preacher more than a quarter of a
century alterwards.
Of Ulric, or contracted Uli Burkholder, hardly any-
thing is known at this time, except that he was a
blunt, phiin-spoken man, and was tlie father of a
number of sons, who like the sons of Eli the old
Jewish priest, and the sons of many modern preach-
ers, were not particularly shining lights, or models
of moral perfection. One story of liis son, Peter, has
been handed down to posterity, which may serve as
a sample of the customs and manners of the time:
The old man and his family resided near tlie present
village of Bowmansville, immediately north of it. A
stream of water, one of the branches of Muddy Creek,
flowed a short distance west of their dwelling. Here
some of the neighbors, owners of the soil through
which the stream flowed, set fish-nets in the spring of
the year, and in those early times fish being abundant,
secured heavy draughts. Peter Burkholder knew all
about this, and probably believing that fish were com-
mon properly, which belong equally to all, early one
morning before breakfast, raised some of these nets
and appropriated their contents. When he came
home his father had just got out of bed, and when he
saw his son with such a fine mess of fish, he congrat-
ulated him on his good luck, kindly invited him to
come into the house and partake of a treat of whiskey,
which at that time seems to have been constantly
kept on hand in every farm-house.
Peter kept quiet until breakfast, when the family
was seated around the rude board, with a smoking
dish of nice fish in their midst. The patriarch of the
household was doing full justice to the dainty bill of
fare. This was too much for Peter, who broke out in
a fit of immoderate laughter, and e.xclaimed in his
vernacular: " Gelt, Vater, die g'stohlene Fish sin'
doch gut?" (Well, father! don't the stolen fish taste
nicely?") Wiiether or not Peter had to suffer the
penalty justly due him for his crime, tradition does
not inform us.
The bishop, or "Voile Diener," contemporaneous
with the two ministers just mentioned, was Henry
Martin, who resided in the Conestoga Valley at Wea-
verland. After these came another trio of minis-
ters, who served the congregations that used to wor-
ship in that plain meeting-iiouse from about the year
1825, and afterwards, who are much better remem-
bered, though all dead for more than a quarter of a
century.
The first was Christian Good, a grandson of the
original Christian, who resided a short distance south-
east of Good's mill. He was a man of considerable
natural parts, and, for his time and opportunities, of
respectable information. He had read some books,
and had an intelligent comprehension of their cun-
tents. He was the author uf a (.ieraian hvnin, in
the form of an acrostic, which he composed during
his last illness, while confined to his room by a lin-
gering consumption. Its execution shows that he
had, some knowledge of metrical composition. Ho
was for all that, iiowever, a strict constructionist of
the strict conditions of his faith. When by reason
of careless and unskillful cultivation the farms of the
whole neighborhood had become exhausted, and
many of his neighbors began to use lime as a fertil-
izer, he opjiosed the innovation on principles of
morality, contending that it was the spirit of discon-
tent and an inordinate desire after worldly riches
that ])rompted them in their endeavors to improve
the productiveness of their farms. In his delivery he
wasslow, calm, and deliberate, wholly unimpassioned.
In person he was rather tall and slim. In dress, of
course, scrupulously plain.
The second was Christian Gehman, a man of quite
a diflferent stamp. His manner was ardent and \m
address earnest and impassioned. His style of preach-
ing was hortatory, in point of intelligence and general
information vastly inferior to his colleague, but cal-
culated to impress an audience much more pro-
foundly than his more thoughtful and methodical
brother. He resided near Adamstown, just across
the line in Berks County.
Then there was Jacob Zimmerman, who was the
bishop or " Voile Diener" of the district, whose resi-
dence was in the Conestoga Valley some four miles
from Bowmansville. He came around twice each
year, in the spring and fall, to administer the sacra-
ment of the Lord's Supper, and to perform the rite of
baptism. In person he was a short, thickset man,
who wore his hair long, parted in the middle. His face
was round and fat. His coat was of the plainest style.
He was easily overcome by his ejnotion, and shed
many tears during almost every sermon he preached.
These preachers, who had been selected from among
their brethren by lot, had never received any other
than the merest rudiments of an education. The only
training they received for their calling was their ex-
perience in the exercise of their sacred office. .\nd
yet in their discourses they generally manifested a
wonderful acquaintance with the Scripture, often
quoting passage after passage, and generally correctly.
In their exegesis they were mystical ; every passage
of Scripture almost had for them a secondary, spir-
itual, or allegorical meaning.
The Mennonite meeting-house spoken of consti-
tuted the only building in the township dedicated to
the public worship of God. Those of other denomi-
nations residing within its borders assisted to erect and
maintain United Lutheran and Reformed Churches
in locations outside of its limits. Of these there were
originally two,— Allegheny Church in Brecknock
township, Berks Co., and JMuddy Creek Church in
Cocalico township, Lancaster Co. The land on which
the latter was built was, by the Pro|irietarie3 (jf Penn-
sylvania, by warrant issued May 8, 1744, to Henry
! 4
BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP.
679
§. an<
I'
Hallerand Peter Fry, given to tlie use of the Lutheran
(1 Reformed congregations worshiping at that place.
Afterwards Centre Cliurcli, in Earl township, was
erected near the tract (if not part of it) which was
originally granted to the hereinbefore-mentioned
William Morris. Of the ministers who served these
several charges prior to the last half-century nothing
definite is known ; but within the last half-century
there were two ministers who served these churches
whose memory has come down to the present genera-
tion. They were both native Americans, though they
preached e.xclusively in the German language. One
of them was Rev. Daniel Hertz, who was pastor of
the German Reformed wing of these congregations.
He resided near Ephrata, and for a great many years
served the churches at Muddy Creek and Centre, as
well as some others at the same time. In person he
was tall and commanding, and had a strong and
rather agreeable voice. In the management of church
matters he generally displayed siirewdness and tact,
and an intimate acquaintance with human nature.
.The other was Rev. Samuel Trunibauer, who was a
Lutheran in faith, and also for a long series of years
served his brethren of like faith who worshiped at the
two churches above named, but for a longer period at
Centre than at Muddy Creek. In person he was but
slightly built and rather below the medium height.
He was an earnest man, zealous in the discharge of
bis pastoral duties, and was by many of his Hock
much beloved and highly esteeMie<i. He resided in
Mechanicsburg, on the Lancaster and New Holland
turnpike, at a distance of more than a dozen miles
from his congregations. Both these clergymen have
been dead for many years.
A certain kind of astrology was assiduously studied
by some of these primitive agriculturists. The as-
cending and descending nodes of the moon were sup-
posed to e.xert a general influence on the products of
the field, and more especially the garden. The signs
of the zodiac, as set out in Billmeyer's Almanac (the
predecessor of Baer's) had to be consulted before sow-
ing, planting, or reaping the several crops. Neglect
or mistake in the observance of these rules was be-
lieved to work great harm to the crops that were about
to he committed to the earth. One can scarcely con-
template this belief in signs and times so prevalent
among our ancestors without coming to the conclu-
sion that they are remnants of the old mythology
that prevailed among the light-haired and blue-eyed
Teutons while they still worshiped Odin and Thor in
the dense forests bordering on the Uhitieand Elbe.
In regard to the methods of tilling the soil, it ap-
pears evident that the first settlers of Brecknock pur-
sued tlic same careless and unthrifty course that is
now so ijrevalent in new settlements in the Western
States. Shallow and often unseasonable plowing,
improvidence in the preparation and applicaticjri ul
manures, and general uyskillful farming, without aii\
attention to a regular rotation cjl' crops or the propir
selection of seeds, gradually but surely exhausted
the virgin strength of the soil.
During the decade i)receding the commencement
of the yresent century and a few years later the pros-
perity of these colonists must have been consider-
able. This- is evident from the style of the dwell-
ings that were built about that period. These bouses,
in point of architectural jirelensions, as well as size
and character, have not been surpassed, if equaled,
anywhere in the township since. The native strength
of the virgin soil had not as yet been exhausted, and
these farms, or large portions of them, having been
i but recently cleared, were probably highly produc-
tive. But the suicidal policy of these primitive
\ farmers ruined the fertility of their soil, and having
1 run through the disastrous rotation of crops from
j wheat to rye, and from rye to buckwheat, left their
I fields barren and their exchequers impoverished.
[ About the years from 1830 to 1840 the farmers of
I Brecknock township reached an important crisis in
j their history. Their sandy soil, naturally requiring
! careful farming, was giving out. Their wheat har-
vests for successive years had been failures. About
183-5 the failure of the wheat crop was so general
throughout the country that breadstuffs had to be
imported from Europe to supply the actual wants of
the people. Resort was had to cornniea!, mashed
I potatoes, and other ingredients, which were mixed
I with wheat flour, of which bread was baked.
, But their impoverished fields would no longer pro-
I duce the bare necessaries of life. Some emigrated
; West, which then meant the State of Ohio. After
[ these had settled in their far Western homes, corre-
spondence was opened between them and their rela-
tives and friends who remained behind. Visits were
also interchanged between them, although the dis-
tance Seemed long and the road wound around pre-
j cipitous mountains and through dense forests.
j These visitors when they returned, as well as the
letters of correspondents, brought strange stories from
' these Western settlements into the old homesteads.
I They told of houses that were built in one day, of
which the foundations had been laid in the morning,
the logs cut in the forest, the walls of the cabin raised,
the clapboards split, the roof and chimney all built
in the same day, so that the weary emigrant, with his
wife and little ones, slept the first night securely shel-
tered under its rude roof. But perhaps the strangest
thing of all were the "Yankeys," who had farms
1 without barns, and with whom the men did all the
I work, even milked the cows and atten<led to the dairy,
1 while the women had nothing to do but to attend to
j dress and make and receive .social calU, even during
i the busy season of haynniking and harvrst, whm all
hands on the farm, men, women, and cliihiivu, ou^hl
t„ lie busy Irom early morn till dewy eve.
Hut nut all c)l tli(-.e emigrants moved West. Some
urnt north and M'ltled in the British i)rovinee of
I'arnula. There .seems to have existed a special mo-
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY".
tive for the Mennonites to go to Canada. Tlie British i
government, they tlioiif^ht, was more friendly towards
them tlian tlie new democracy just established in the i
United States. William Penn, a Quaker, jirofessing |
religious principles almost identical with theirs, had i
inspired them with love and confidence towards the |
British Crown. During the Revolutionary struggle
they had generally remained loyal to their old govern-
ment. This was from motives radically different from
those whicli inspired the ordinary Tory. With the
one they sprang from religious and conscientious
convictions of duty, while with the latter they were
merely political questions to be settled by the dictates
of self-interest.
But whatever the motives were, a number of these
excellent people emigrated and sought tlieir fortunes
in better and richer soil. As early as the year 1810,
Rev. Joseph Bauman, a Jlennonite preacher, who re-
sided on a farm in the Allegheny Valley, in Berks
County, Pa., about four miles northeast from Bow-
mansviUe, had moved to Waterloo, then part of ITal-
ton County, Upper Canada, and settled there. This
year is memorable on account of its unprecedentedly
cold summer, not one month of which was exempt
from frost, even in Lancaster County. Upper Canada,
surrounded by lakes and in a higher latitude, was, of
course, proportionally colder. These new setilers
thought their home almost a Siberia, and win> innse-
quently much alarmed on account nf ihe coMiie-s of
the climate, till their fears were iillayr.l by milder
seasons in subsequent years.
But, of course, all could not leave tlu'ir old neigh-
borhood, and those that remained behind on tliiir
worn-out farms had no alternative left hiii lo ;ittein|it
the improvement of the impoverished soil lliese cini-
grants had left behind. To effect this object the ap-
plication of lime as a fertilizer was generally resorted
to. Numerous limekilns were constructed through-
out the country, in wdiich limestone, brought from
the adjoining townships of Earl and Cocalico, dis-
tances from three to five miles, were burned into
lime. Wood, being jdenty and cheap, was at that
time exclusively used for this purpose. The happy
effects of the application of lime as a fertilizer soon
manifested themsi-lvcs in the iiKjre luxuriant crops of
the farmer.
When the 'agriculturist once had his attention di-
rected to the improvement of the soil, he was not
satisfied with using only one means to accomplish
liis object. Other means and methods were tried and
adopted. Improved varieties of grain and grass-
seeds were jirocnred, the proper times for planting
and the most advantageous rotations of crops were
''liKiied. The introduction of improved breeds of
horses, cattle, and other animals on the farm natur-
ally followed in the march of the other improve-
ments. These changes, h(nvevcr, were, of course,
introduced only gradually, and were not elicited
without much oi)positioii. The agricultural cmmuiu-
nity became divided into two classes of parties, such
as every revolution produces, the progressive and
conservative. The former included the younger and
mor£ enterprising portion of the community, while
the latter was comi)Osed of those everywhere styled
"old foj»ies."
Politics, in its ordinary sense, did not much dis-
turb this secluded community in the even tenor of
their way. When the Anti-Masonic party was organ-
ized, and the story of the abduction and murder of
William Morgan was assiduously circulated, most of
them became Anti-Masons and supported the election
of Joseph Ritner for Governor. It is not known that
any citizen of Brecknock township ever held a county
or State office prior to about 1838, when Philip Von
Nieda was elected to the Legislature of the State, to
which office he was re-elected for a second term.
About 1855, Daniel Bowman was elected a director
of the poor, and in 1857 Anthony Good was electt'd
recorder of deeds of the county of Lancaster.
Nearly all the newspapers that were read were
printed in the German language. Der Readimjer
AiUer, sometimes called " Berks County Bible," was
the organ of those who professed the Democratic
faith, while J)er Volh/reuiul, edited by John Baer,
of Lancaster, was read by the members of the Whig
party. Tiiere was more party feeling then than there
is now, and editor., presumed more on the ignorance
(if the ma^s.'s tlian llicv dare to do at this day. Then
il wa^ quite cniniimn to a|ipeal to farmers, laborers,
etc., as a class irjain^t ca|iitalists and ollice-holdcrs
as a class.
In relation to matters of education, these people
were loo nnich engrossed in procuring their material
sulisi>ten(c to pay attention to the cultivation of
their minds. They were isolated from the great
world, both by locality and their language. As yet
there was no system of education by public schools,
and these farmers, who had a hand-to-hand struggle
to obtain their daily bread, had neither time, means,
nor taste for the establishment of private schools.
The Mennonite meeting-house near Good's Jlill
was eacli winter, up lo about the year 1832, used as
school-house. At Stovpr's, near Adamstown, at the
Dry Tavern, about two miles southwest from Bow-
mansville, at Boehm's, a short distance southeast of
Good's mill, and at Schlebach's, quite at the southern
end of tin; township,
Hits which were used
as school-houses for a few weeks or montiis during
the inclement season of the winter, when the cold
weather prevented work on the farm. That no
teacher of competent qualifications came to these se-
cluded parts to engage in his occupation must be at
once apjtarent. Men engaged in teaching because
they could not get anything better to do, or because
they were physically disabled for the performance of
ordinary manual labor.
Of the teachers who first taught the children of
the schools in Brecknock towiiNliip, the names of
BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP.
681
only two or three have descended to our times. One
of them, named Altsdorf, was a German, who wrote
a very beautiful hand, and who understood drawing
and vocal music. As far as known, he never taught
within the limits of the township, but some of the
children attended his school, kept in the adjoining
township of Earl. Then there was another German
teacher named Grimm, but who was not by any
means as eminent a grammarian or lexicographer as
his modern namesake. He was either from Hesse or
Brunswick, and came over during the Revolutionary
war, along with the other mercenaries of the British
king. There are no traditions of liis literary profi-
ciency, but the reminiscences of the severe flagella-
tions he administered to his scholars have been faith-
fully handed down to posterity.
There was another German pedagogue named John
Peter Hoefer, of whose memory nothing survives, ex-
cept that he had a famous controversial correspond-
ence with Samuel Bowman, Esq., when the latter
was still quite young and just entering on his career
as a teacher. In this new teacher, who about 1821
taught at the Mennonite meQting-house, and some
years later at the Dry Tavern, the rising generation
enjoyed a superior grade of instruction.
Later, about 1830, James Stilwell taught several
winters at the Dry Tavern, and about ISIW a man
named Henry Bowers kept the school at Sclilebaeh's
for several winters.
At this time most of the boys attempted to learn
to read and write both the English and German lan-
guages. This state of things made it necessary for
the teacher to be proficient in both tongues. Few of
tliem were able to teach botli correctly. The pupils
labored under great disadvantages in more than one
respect. As a rule, they understood only the Penn-
sylvania German dialect. The school-books were
either in English or High German, either of which
they understood but imperfectly. Add to thi.s draw-
back the short term the school usually continued,
the irregular attendance of the scholars, and the very
imperfect methods of instruction ordinarily employed,
and it is not diliicult to form a correct estimate of the
mental culture and literary capacity of the population
of Brecknock township of those days. Their imper-
fect acquaintance with the language of their text-
books was especially trying in the study of arithmetic.
The pupil was very much embarra>sed in attempting
to solve a problem, the enunciation of which was set
forth in an unknown tongue.
As a rule, the girls were not taught further than to
read, and that mostly ouly in German. Very few
were so fortunate as to be taught to write. The boys,
in view of their prospective Hues of business, were
generally taught to read and write both languages,
and some of them were taught arithmetic so far as
the rule of the three ; but there were many men
whose education in tlie science of numbers was al-
most totally neglected.
The common scliool system was first introduced
into Pennsylvania under the provisions of the act of
Assembly passed Aiiril 1, A. p. 1834, in which the
preauJjle declares that the education of the people
was enjoined by the Constitution as a solemn- duty
which could not be neglected without disregard of
the moral and political safety of the people. The
supi)lementary act of April 15, a.d. 1835, provided
that " where any township or district in any school
division votes in the negative on the question of ac-
cepting the law to which this is a supplement, said
township or district shall not be compelled to accept
the same."
The doctrine that "the education of the people by
this school system was a solemn duty which could not
be safely neglected" was not believed to be sound by
the great majority of the jwople of Brecknock town-
ship. They did not feel that there was any necessity
for improvement or progress in education. In fact,
many well-meaning jieople honestly believed that the
education of the masses was not merely useless but
dangerous. They stated their argument about as fol-
lows : "Advanced education is unnecessary in the or-
dinary affairs of life. Past generations, from time
immemorial, have lived and made their way honestly
through the world without the aid of the free school
system, and succeeding generations cannot have any
greater need of it than the present or jiast. To spend
time over books is time wasted, which every able-
bodied person is in duty bound to employ in useful
manual labor." These prejudices were carried to such
an_ extent that a young man suspected of pursuing
his studies with a view of qualifying himself for the
business of teaching was in some circles severely os-
tracized, and was by no means a popular character
among the honest farmers of the community.
These honest but misguided people rejoiced over
their privilege annually to vote down the hated school
law which was about to insinuate itself into their
midst, fraught with all its attendant evils. Who then
can imagine their indignation when this was changed
by act of A.sscmbly of April 11, 1848? This act pro-
vided that the " common school system from and after
the jiassage of that act should be deemed held and
taken to be adopted by the several school districts of
the commonwealth."
When the passage of this law became generally
known the neighborhood of Bowmansville was stirred
into a ferment resembling that of Boston occasioned
by the passage of the British Stamp Act of 1765.
The citizens generally resented the enactment of this
statute as a wanton invasion of their most sacred
rights and the assumption by the Legislature of ua-
w^irranted powers. They protested that this law in-
flicted a final and fatal stab on their cherished liberty
to vote down the hated free school. They now spoke
of American liberty as a thing of the past, and of the
right to vote and the boasted privilege of the ballot
as a mockery. The term " free schools" applied to
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
tlie schools thus establislied by compulsory legislation
was especially inveighed against as utterly inappropri-
ate. These scliools, forced on them by the tyranny
of unjust legislation against their will, repeatedly ex-
pressed at the ballot-box, ouglit tn be designated
"Zwing Schulen" (forced schools). It was the almost
unanimous opinion, honestly and conscientiously en-
tertained, that it was their solemn duty to resist the
execution of this ini(iuitous law by all the means in
their power.
At this period there were five or six school-houses
in the township to furnish accommodations for a popu-
lation of thirteen hundred and sixty-six souls, accord-
ing to the tensusof 1850. These buildings were mostly
log cabins, rudely constructed, without furniture and
without ventilation, excepting the pure air that clan-
destinely intruded through the crevices of the un-
plastered walls. They were generally situated iu
out of the way places along the wayside or at the
cross-roads in the woods.
The most important school in the district, perhaps,
was the one situated in BowmansviUe, wliich village
at that time contained as yet no hotel, but consisted
of a store, containing the post-office, and three or four
private dwellings. The neighborhood embraced the
most deusely po|)ulated and probably the wealthiest
portion of the township. Here an attempt was made
soon after the passage of the act of April 11, 1848, to
put the school system into operation. A tax was laid
by the school directors, but the opposition aroused by
the proceeding was such that the idea of collecting
the same was soon abandoned, and no further eilbrts in
that direction were made in that year.
On April 7, 1849, an act of Assembly was passed
for the regulation and continuance of a system of
education by common schools, of which the eighth
section provides that if all the members of any board
of directors shall refuse or neglect to perform their
duties by laying the tax required by law, and to put
or keep the schools in operation so far as the means
of the district will admit, the Court of Quarter Ses-
sions of the proper county shall, upon complaint in
writing by any six taxable citizens of tlie district and
on due proof thereof, declare their seats vacant and
appoint others in their stead until the next election.
Under this provision of the law the school directors
of Brecknock township were ousted from their offices
upon the petition of several taxable citizens of said
township, among whom Daniel Sensenig appeared at
the head and front. This man had been born and
raised in the adjoining township of Earl ; had in his
earlier history been engaged as a teamster between
Philadelphia and Piltsburgli, at a lime wlien railroads
had not yet been heard of. He was a farmer, residing
in Brecknock township. .Vbove all others he felt in-
terested in the establishment of the common schools
in his adopted township, and .he bent all his energies,
regardless of opposition, to the successful accomplish-
ment of his project.
When the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace,
at their sessions in November, 1849, came to appoint
a new board to fill the places made vacant by the re-
moval of (he old delintpient directors, the name of
Daniel Sensenig appeared at the head of the list. It was
evi<lenfto him and his friends that he was encounter-
ing the most violent opposition, but he did not shrink
from the assumption of every responsibility connected
with his darling project, and he at once set about or-
ganizing the board and to employ teachers for the sev-
eral schools in the district.
At this time a man named Frederick Leinbach was
teaching school at BowmansviUe under the old system.
This man'sprincipal fitness forthebusinessof teaching
consistedin hisutterunfitnessforanythingelse. Hewas
a quiet, unoffending being, whose mental and physical
weakness effectually put him under bonds to keep the
peace with everybody. Being poor and incapable of
earning his bread by manual labor, his friends thought
it would be no disgrace for him to " keep school."
So the thing was all properly arranged, and Frederick
was duly installed as schoolmaster, and was now ac-
tually swaying the pedagogical sceptre with all the
awful dignity of his august calling, when Mr. Sense-
nig and his colleagues were engaged in employing
teachers under the new system for the several schools
of Brecknock district.
A young man named Samuel L. Herts was apjrointed
teacher for the BowmansviUe school. He was the
son of a clergyman of the German Reformed Church,
who was at that time, and had been for years, the
pastor of several congregations in the neighborhood,
including Muddy Creek and Centre Churches. It
required a good deal of tact to install the new incum-
bent. Mr. Sensenig tried soft words and persuasion,
and, to the surprise and chagrin otLeinbach's friends,
he vacated tlie school-house and young Hertz took
possession. Before the anti-school men were fairly
aware of the state of affairs the free school had
been inaugurateS in BowmansviUe, and, what seemed
strange, the number of i)upils in attendance was,
under the circumstances, quite creditable.
But now the revolt commenced. As the lowering
thunder-clouds gather on the distant horizon and
spread their ominous masses over the darkened sky,
ready to discharge their angry bolt-s, so the storm of
popular indignation gathered over the village of Bow-
mansviUe, which was destined to break on its devoted
head on the 8th of January, 1850, which day, by
some strange coincidence, happened to be the anni-
versary of the famous battle of New Orleans. On
that day there was a general gathering of the anti-
school men in BowmansviUe. On every face sat ex-
citement and anger. At first, as the neighbors as-
sembled, they luriiicd thnnselvs into groups lor
earnest discussion. In the mean time several of the
few school men of the neighborhood also arrived.
Towards noon the anti-school men made a rush to-
wards the school-house and several entered it. Sonu
BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP.
altercation between the two hostilfi |jarties ensueil.
Blows were tlireateiieil, if none were aetnally strnek.
The cliiklren, atn-iglited, fled from the school-house.
The teacher was ejecteil, and tlie anti-.school men
locked the dixir, tonk piisses^iiiii of the key, and re-
treated, claiiiiini; to have achieved a C()mi)lete vic-
tory over Mr. Senscnif; and his Irierids. lUU the
school men, and especially Mr. Seasenij,', were not
dismayed in their efforts to establish the schools.
Criminal prosecntions were promptly instituted
against the rioters, as they were now generally
termed, and after a hearing before John S. Stager,
Esq., of New Holland, they were all bound over to
appear at the approaching January term of the Court
of Quarter Sessions, to be held in Lancaster, to an-
swer the charge brought against them.
When court day came, Brecknock township sent a
larger delegation to the criminal court of the county
thau had ever been witnessed before or since that
time. Tiie day was inclement, with snow and sleet
overhead and frozen snow and ice under foot. The
defendants, to a man, made their way— a distance of
over twenty miles — on foot. Among them were some
of the sires and grandsires of the neighborhood.
Most of the school men of the vicinity were sub-
poenaed as witnesses on the part of the common-
wealth. These traveled in carriages. On the road
the carriages overtook the pedestrians, and the meet-
ing was said to have been neither cordial nor pleas-
ant. Arrived at Lancaster they all attended court.
The first day of the criminal court week was spent in
the usual routine of constables' returns and other
current business. When the shades of evening de-
scended on Lancaster City most of the rioters, never
accustomed to be away from home, and some of
whom had never before been in the county-seat,
ardently longed to return to their homes and families.
They were informed, however, tliat they could not
depart until they had been tried for the charge which
had been brought against them. With heavy hearts
and longing desires for their far-away homes in Breck-
nock, they retired to their lodgings, no doubt heartily
tired of their situation. Tliey, however, held out
until Wednesday, when negotiations were opened with
Mr. Sensenig which eventually resulted in a settle-
ment of the prosecution. The defendants agreed to
pay all the costs, and promised to i)roperIy conduct
themselves in the future, and especially to obey the
school laws, and not to show malice or ill will against
any one on account of the recent unpleasantness in
school nuitters.
But these promises were much easier made than
kept. It is seldom that a more bitter and im|)lacable
resentment' is cherished by any man or set of men
than by these halllcd anti-.school men. Not only
were those who had actually taken part against thejn
in the late troubles relentlessly- proscribed and ostra-
cized in business and social intercourse, but also olhers
who, on account of their social iiositiou or known lit-
erary tastes, were suspected of sympathizing with the
cause of education were made to suffer their hate and
vengeance.
Th(ii-e were, besides Mr. Sensenig, especially two
objects of their spleen that deserve notice. These
were Samliel Bownuin, Esq., the original founder of
the village, who was then postmaster and engaged in
the mercantile business at that [dace, and Rev. Daniel
Hertz, the father of the young school-teacher who had
been mobbed and expelled on the day of the famous
riot. There was not a particle of proof of any kind
that these venerable and respectable gentlemen had
done, or even said, anything as partisans in the cause
of free schools. Nor was it pretended that they had
been aiding or even counseling the late prosecutions
against them. But by some intuitive instinct they
thought these men must sympathize with the cause
of education, and to be suspected of such an enormity
wa.s for them sufficient cause to resort to harsh meas-
ures. Many families residing in the immediate neigh-
borhood of Bowmansville that had been accustomed
for a series of long years to trade off their farm pro-
duce for store-goods in their own village now passed
that store, to deal with other merchants miles away.
Some of these same persons were members of the
churches of whom Rev. Hertz was pastor, and these
raised or strenuously tried to raise dissensions and
destroy the peace in these congregations. And Daniel
Sensenig, who belonged to the Mennonite communion,
had to suffer the application of their strict discipline,
which positively forbids the invocation of the strong
arm of the municipal law in the vindication of public
or private rights.
Among the rioters who assembled in Bowmansville
on that menu)rable 8tli of January, 1850, was a char-
acter that stood forth in prominent and bold relief.
His conduct on that day had attracted the attention
of some of the citizens, who had dubbed him " the
general" or "commander-in-chief." This man was
Elias Leinbach, the father of Frederick, the school-
master. He was now far advanced in years, well
known in the neighborhood as a skillful brushrnaker
and repairer of clocks. But he was still more famous
as a believer in witches and hobgoblins and as one
who frequently dug after concealed buried treasures.
He, as a champion of his son, the schoolmaster, had
become a violent and demonstrative anti-school par-
tisan. He liad also been indicted with the rest of the
rioters, and luid been among them when the prosecu-
tion was compromised, and his proportionate share of
the costs had either been ]jaid by him or by someof his
friends for him. But as for him, he was unwilling to
let the matter rest there. If the iniquitous free school
system w<is to be introduced into Brecknock township,
and protests of its honest yeomanry, — if liberty was to
be trampled into the dust by the iron hand of oppres-
sion,— he, for one, at least would not stand idly by
witlHjut seeking to be avenged on these presumptu-
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
till
Uonly
liled his dearest
ous tyrants w
rights.
In taking a survey of tlie wliole field of action he
found no fitter subject for liis vengeance than Daniel
Sensenig. For the purpose of finding the projier
metliodof proceeding eminent legal counsel were con-
sulted. It wa.s determined that a suit against Jlr. Sen-
senig for malicious prosecution was tlie best means
that could be adopted to obtain the desired end.
Whether the experienced counsel he employed really
believed that he could recover damages in the case is,
of course, impossible to tell. At this distance of time,
in passing judgment on that point, great allowance
should be made for the intense feeling that existed at
that period. But, be that as it may, the suit was
brought, and on the 12th day of February, ISOl, the
summons was issued and the writ duly served ou the
defendant.
Subsequently a rule was taken by the plaintiff to
have arbitrators chosen to whom the controversy
should be referred, and on the 20th of June, 1851,
the parties and their attorneys appeared in the jiro-
thonotary'.s office at Lancaster, and chose David Wit-
mer, Christian Hoflmau, Jr., and John Styer arbi-
trators, and the time and place of meeting wore fixed
in the village of New Holland, on Thursday, the 7th
day of August, 18ol, at one o'clock p.m.
This suit attracted almost as much attention as the
original prosecution of the rioters. Numbers of wit-
nesses on both sides were in attendance. Besides the
parties, arbitrators, counsel, and witnesses, there were
crowds of excited spectators. The witnesses on the
side of the plaintiff were ready and willing to testify,
and under cross-examination attemi)ted to be imper-
tinent and witty. The result was, as is almost inva-
riably the case under similar circumstances, that the
tact and experience of the trained advocate proves an
overmatch for the witness, and turns the laugh of the
crowd against the pseudo wit. This was es()eclally
the fate of one of plaintiff's witnesses, who made up
by a superabundance of pluck what he lacked in
stature. On account of his diminutive size, he was
by the counsel for the defendant called the " Bantam-
cock," an appellation that wa.s remembered by some
of the spectators as long as he lived.
At last the evidence was closed, the counsel pro-
ceeded to argue the case before the arbitrators, and
then submitted it to their decision. The arbitiaturs
came from the retirement of their room, where they
had been secluded during their consultations, and
announced their award to be " No cause for action."
This report was duly filed in the pruthonotary's office
at Lancaster on the 8th day of August, 1851.
It might perhaps be expected that with this last
scene in this " strange, eventful history" the curtain
should finally drop, and the tale should end here.
But there was still another -act to follow, and when
tlie curtain rises again we behold the cliief execulive
olficer of the court in hot pursuit of the venci.ilile
form of Elias Leiiibach, the plaintifT in the late suit,
with a capias ad satiyacieudam for the costs incurred
in the action which had just been determined.
Tl^ poor old man now experienced the glorious
uncertainty of the law. He had instituted thi.s legal
))roceeclii1ir with tin.: object of being revenged on
Daniel Sensenig, and now — could he trust his
senses? — here were the stern officers of the law in-
exorably demanding from him a sum of money quite
beyond his pecuniary ability to pay, and in default
of payment threatened to quarter him in limbo.
Were these the sweet waters he had hoped to drink
from the cup of revenge and retaliation? Had he
really dug a i)it and fallen into it? But these refiec-
tions were interrupted by the rude arrest made by
the sherilf, who started him on his way for a second
involuntary trip to Lancaster. Arrived there, he has-
tened to consult his counsel, who at once applied to
the Court of Common Pleas lor the benefit of the in-
solvent laws of the State. His sons did not forsake
their old and distressed father in his extremity, hut
|)rocured for him the necessary sureties. His bond
was then filed for his release under the insolvent
laws, and he was set at liberty. After having in this
manner regained his freedom, he proceeded on his
way homeward, a wiser though probably a sadder
man than he had been previous to his experience in
the glorious uncertainty of the law.
Highly discreditable as the events just detailed
appear in tlie light of present surroundings, it is
gratifying to every true friend of popular education
that a radical change for the better has since been
effected, and that a new era of marked improvement,
not only in education but also in agriculture and
general prosperity, dates from these days of strife and
cominotion in Brecknock.
By reference to the reports of the county super-
intendent it appears that in 18.^i8 the number of
school-houses had increased to seven, and the total
receipts for school purposes were fourteen' hundred
and fifty-two dollars and ninety-five cents. These
figures in 1880 had increased to nine school-houses,
and total receipts to five thousand one hundred and
seven dollars and nineteen cents, of which sum, how-
ever, a large portion was used for the erection of new
school- houses. This process of building has been
carried on till all the old school-houses have been
replaced by sulistantial structures built of sandstone,
of which huge supjilies are nearly everywhere ut
At the (iresent time nut only the school-houses,
with their furniture and apparatus, will bear a favor-
able comparison with those of other districts which
heretofore were generally considered as more ad-
vanced, but some of the yoting men and women of
this township, embracing probably lineal descendants
of the rioters of 1850, are engaged in the laudable
employment of instructing the youths of the district
according to the most approved methods of modern
BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP.
685
times. At (
inual
itinns tlie niitive teacli-
ere of the district exliiliit abun<liuit proof of tliL-ir
mental capacity, tlieir iiulustry and creditable ac-
quirements.
A few of her youths liave even aspired to higher
education than what tl)e conimon schools aflbrd.
While some liave creditably mastered tlie mysteries
of medical science and the healing art, another has
lately graduated from Franklin and Marsliall College
with the highest honors at the head of his class.
Nor has the progress of the township in material
prosperity been less rapid or marked. Farms whose
fields were once exhausted and sterile have been
vastly improved, and their barns, though capacious,
often prove too contracted to contain their prolific
produce. The improvements in the methods of agri-
culture hold even pace with the general advance-
ment. All the modern labor-saving machines and
approved implements of agriculture are now found
in use among the farmers of this district.
The improved condition of ihe roads will strike
every traveler. Thirty years ago the roads were
mostly deep ravines, rudely plowed with ruts. At
other places the weary wayfarer had to climb over
huge rocks of sandstone or iron bowlders. All this
is changed. Well-formed drains on either side of
the road now protect them against the formation of
ruts. Rocks and stones have been removed from
the road-beds, while large quantities of small sand-
stone, gathered by cleaning the fields, have been
hauled on the roads, and long distances of excellent
turnpikes have thus been constructed.
The justices of the peace who held jurisdiction over
this township from 1777 to 1840 will be found in the
civil list of the county in District No. 5, of which it
composed a part with Caernarvon. It was also a part
of District No. G, with Cocalico.
The names of the justices who served from 1840' to
the present time are here given :
Jacob Sliuiir, A]iril 14, 1R40. , Willinin VaiieiJa, .^piil 15, 1S02.
Al.nilmm liixlcr, April 14, 1B41>. [ II, li. Ik'ckcr, Al.iil V2, lKli4.
Andrew Slirimp, April 'J, 1.S44. Iluiay E, Shrimp, Apiil, 18G7.
Jolili n. Goo.l, April \\ 1847, to Ucubeii Sliuber, April, ISOS).
April 1.), l.'iW. II. li. Becki-r, Apiil. 1S70.
Henry S. Micliin-I, April 1:!, 1852. S. (J. Seifcil, April, 1S74,
Julici n, Ui.oil, April 14, 1857. ' It. G. Siiobor, April, 1874, to 1870.
Williiiui VaiieiJa, April 14, 1857. [ S. G. Soifrit, April, 18SU.
, tiiij ;), I85'j.
1!. Ii«i
Bowmansville is situated in the valley formed by
two braiiches of Muddy Creek, issuing from the rocky
hills along the Berks County line, which form the
water-shed between the Delaware and the Susque-
hanna. The State road from Blue Ball to Reading
here crosses the Iteamstown and Plow Tavern road.
The land on the south side of the latter road is part
of the large tract surveyed in 1737 to Christian Good,
embracing the mill a ipiarter of a mile to the south.
On the other, on north side of the road, the soil is
' By tlic- CoMdlitutioh of 18:i9 tlio tov nuliip Locauie a Bfjiarnte >li,tii.t.
part of the Ulrich Burkholder tract. On each of
these tracts one-story log farm-houses were erected
at an early date, both near the site of the village,
that an the Good tract really within its borders.
About 1704 the Jlennonites, forming the principal
part of the surrounding population, built a sandstone
meeting-house on the southwest corner of the cross-
roads, near the last-mentioned farm-house. At this
time what few store goods the people needed were
supplied either from Reading, twelve miles to the
northeast, or from Adainstown, four miles northwest
from this place. No nearer store was in existence
then.
Samuel Bowman, Esq., after wdiom the place was
named, was born Dec. 1, 17.S9. He was a lineal de-
scendant of Wendell Bowman, who about 1707 im-
migrated to Gerinantown and thence to Lancaster
County. One of his descendants, named Christian,
settled in the Allegheny Valley, now Berks County,
four miles east from Bowmansville, wdiere in 1749 he
built a log house which is still standing. Young
Samuel by industry and perseverance acquired a re-
spectable education. As a young man he had for
several winters taught school in the Mennonile meet-
ing-house and other places in the neighborhood. In
1820 he built the large two-story sandstone dwelling
and store-house still standing on the southeast corner
of the cross-roads, and commenced the business of
country store-keeper, surveyor, and conveyancer. He
prospered in business, and, being skillful as a sur-
veyor and scrivener, was appointed a justice of the
peace. He accepted his commission solely for the
l)urpose of taking acknowledgments of the many
deeds of conveyance and other instruments of writing
he prepared. On the 1st of April, the general settle-
ment day, his store was crowded. .Deeds were exe-
cuted and delivered, the purchase money counted and
paid over, and the settlements of the surrounding
neighborhood wer^niade there.
About 1830 another dwelling-house with cooper-
shop was erected in the village by Martin Bowman,
on land for which he paid one hundred dollars an
acre. This was then thought an enormous price. In
1832 a stone .school-house was built in the village op-
posite the store, and after that the meeting-house was
no longer used for school purposes. On the advent
of the new administration following the Presidential
election of ^840, a iiost-office with mail supply from
Blue Ball was established in this infant village, which
as yet had not received a name. But Samuel Bow-
man, Esq., having received the appointment of post-
master, the post-office and place were after him named
Bownnansville.
On account of the two oflices being incompatible,
this appointment deprived him of his justice's com-
mission. The neighborhood felt this vacancy as a
serious inconvenience, which in the spring of 1847
was remedied by the election of his nephew, J. B.
Good, Escp, as a just:
le pc
durinir tin
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
same year built the dwelling and office on the north-
east corner of the cross-roads, which place he occu-
pied (being twice re-elected) as a justice of the peace,
surveyor, and conveyancer until his removal to Lan-
caster in April, 1858.
In 1851, Peter B. Good erected the jjrescnt hotel on
the northwest corner of the cross-roads, on ground
costing two hundred dollars an acre, which was still
thought a very higli price. He succeeded in obtain-
ing license, although there was a remonstrance filed
against it at the instigation of the landlord at the
Dry Tavern, two miles southwest from Bowmausville.
In the summer of 1854 the meeting-house at the cem-
etery, half-way between the store and the mill, was
erected. About this time the first brick dwellings
were built in the village, and a new school-house in
the northern part of the place was erected, and tiie
old school-house changed and enlarged into a dwell-
ing and shoe-store.
Soon after the election of James Buehanan to the
Presidency, in 1850, the post-office was removed, or
rather discontinued, and a new one established at tlie
Dry Tavern. But this mistake was promptly reme-
died. The post-office at Bowinansville was not only
re-established, but measures were now taken which
resulted in a signal improvement. Instead of being
supplied once a week on horseback from Blue Ball,
the office at Bowmansville is now served by a stage-
coach running daily between Fairville and the city
of Reading.
On Jan. 19, 1857, Samuel Bowman, Esq., founder
of the village, died, and his remains are buried in the
cemetery at that place.
About 1874 the Jlennonite congregation sold their
old sandstone meeting-house situate in the villai;e,
and erected a frame structure to take its place a short
distance southwest of the mill. The site vacated by
this removal was occupied by the erection of a large
brick dwelling-house. .
Meanwhile. the general prosperity of the village
and surrounding country has wonderfully improve
The productiveness and market value of farms has
greatly appreciated. The population of the village is
about one hundred and fifty. It contains a hotel,
large country store, the finest flouring-mill in the
neighborhood, extensive blacksmith- and wagon-
maker-shops, clock- and watchmakers, shoemakers,
tinsmiths, marble -works, cigar- makers, butchers,
]iainters, cabinet-makers, physician, justice of the
peace, and other industries.
Although there are no ornate or e.xpensive edifices
in this village, it may justly be claimed that it is ex-
ceptionally well built. There are no unsightly old
log hul-< tliat di.^figure so many country villages. All
the houses ale comlorlable two-story structures. If
there is not much wealth in this village, there is ab-
solutely no poverty within its limits.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
.JACOB F. KERN.
Jacob F. Kern, merchant and postmaster at Muddy
Creek, in Brecknock township, was born at Red Run,
in the same township, Oct. 24, 1844. His father,
J.icob, a nati\e of L.mcaater Couuty (as w.is his
gi.mdfather), was born in 1811, and died Sept b 1870.
.r icob Kern mauud I i lun i Tr uikh ui-i i I I uicaa-
lei County blie du 1 V] iil _ i 1 M I i ^ .d ■nx
children, all sons, of whom five are living. Jacob F.
Kern was the fourth son. The common lot of farmers'
boys fell to his share. He got a little schooling and
a good deal of hard work. At the age of twelve he
went to 11 ve with his uncle, .-Vdam Kern, near Church-
town, with whom he remained four years. Then (at
the age of si.\teen) he essayed to take care of him-
self, and for three years thereafter labored as a farm
hand. At the age of nineteen he determined to learn
a trade, and in pursuance of that resolve took ser-
vice with John Slaybach, a carpenter of Brecknock
township. For eight years he followed with much
industry'the calling he had cliosen, and for the on-
suing five years workeil first at wheelwrighting, and
subsequently at house-painting. Thus far he had
passed through an experience freighted with hard
work and exacting driin upon the energies of his
[jhysical nature. lie concluded, therefore, to enter
CAERNARVON TOWNSHIP.
687
the mercantile trade, as more in consonance with his
views and ambition, and in 1877 embarl^ed upon his
career as a merchant. He chose a location atlMuddy
Creek, where Benjamin Rainier, and others before
him, had vainly sought to make store-keeping a profit-
able venture. General opinion pointed to the lielief
that the place was not likely to prove a paying one
to anybody, but Mr. Kern thought difl'erently, and
entered upon the project, satisfied that he would
make a success of it. Although it was at first a dis-
couraging struggle he soon began to see an improve-
ment, and so steadily striving as he had never striven
before, realized at last that he had built up a satis-
factory and promising trade. It was no small thing
to accomplish, in the face of such untoward circum-
stances as beset the young merchant at the start, and
it is naturally a gratifying incident, worthy of record,
that he achieved a victory. Since 1870 he has been
postmaster at JIuddy Creek, and is to-day a flourish-
ing merchant, as well as a widely-respected citizen.
He has served his township as school director, and is
now township auditor. In his public services he hius
been zealous and faithful, and is known as a watch-
ful and able guardian of the interests intrusted to
his care. He has been a member of the Lutheran
Church for about twenty years, earlier an attendant
at Reamstown, and now at Centre Church. July 3,
1866, Mr. Kern was married to Catherine, daughter
of Samuel Frankhauser, of Brecknock. In 1881, he
erected at Muddy Creek a handsome residence, much
to the architectural adornment of the locality, and
creditable as well to his own taste and design.
HENRY STAUFFER.
Henry Stauflfer, one of the best known of Breck-
nock's farmer-citizens, was born in ICast Lampeter
township, Lancaster Co., Dec. 28, 1812. His great-
grandfather (Christian or Christopher) came to Amer-
ica from the Palatinate in 17-19, accompanied by his
wife and two sons. He settled in East Lampeter
township upon a i)lace that has Ihcm in the possession
of his descendants from tliat day to this, his great-
grandson, Benjamin R., being now the owner thereof.
Christian's son, John (born 1733, and died Dec. 26,
1811), was a preacher of the Jlennonite faith, and for
many years was an important factor in the history of
that church in Lancaster County. His wife was Ve-
ronica Buckwalter, who died Feb. 10, 1826. His son
Daniel married Mary Rohrer, and to them were born
eleven children, of whom the living are four sons and
two daughters. Henry Staufl'er was the third son.
To the age of seventeen his history was that of the
average farmer's lad. He worked for his father in
the summer, and attended school in the winter. His
opportunities at school were, however, improved with
more than ordinary profit, for when his school-days
were over he was adjudged a competent teacher, and
inclining towards scholastic pursuits, ho took a school
in East Lampeter in the year 1829. At this time
there was a great lack of uniformity in the text-books
in use in the schools, and to a system of correct edu-
cation this condition of things ofl'ered a serious ob-
stacle. Mr. Staulfer recognizing the evil in its fullest
sense, se*t himself to ellect a change for the better, and
labored with such energy of purpose that to him, in
a material degree, may be ascribed the accomplish-
ment of the desired result, soon afterwards obtained.
Almost without interruption Mr. Stauffer taught
school from 1829 to 1862, and during that entire
period found his fields of labor in the townships of
East Lampeter, Leacock, and Manor. He was re-
garded as a teacher of more than usually successful
methods, and won the proud satisfaction of knowing
that many of the pupils whose characters and train-
ing he had moulded rose to positions of importance
in the world of social intelligence.
Upon retiring from his long and useful career as a
teacher he embarked in trade, and for some years
kept store in East Lampeter. In 1864 he purchased
a farm in Brecknock township, and from that day to
this has had his home thereon. June 7, 1849, he was
married to Anna, daughter of William Schnader, of
East Earl township. Of their eleven children ten
are living. He was reared in the Mennonite faith,
but since 1850 has been a member of the Reformed
Church (earlier of the New Holland Church, in which
he was an elder, and now of Centre Church). He
has ujjon frequent occasions served as township school
director, and, in season as well as out of season, has
manifested by his earnest works a warm and zealous
interest in the cause of popular education.
Mr. Stauffer is justly regarded as a man of liberal
and enterprising views, endowed with a spirit of broad
comprehension and observation. -He is, moreover, a
student, as well as a keen observer. Upon the cur-
rent topics of the day, as well as upon the subjects of
|)olitical history anj scientific researches, he is able to
discourse with vigorous intelligence. In that field he
is a recognized local authority whose opinions are
highly respected. Although already past the Bibli-
cal limit of threescore and ten, he is hale and hearty,
and promises to enjoy many years of healthful ac-
CHA
CAEKNAK
T E K X L.
0\ TOWNSHIP.
j That beautiful section of Eastern Lancaster
tCounty, bounded on the north by the " Forest Hills,"
on the south by the Welsh Mountain, and through
which runs the l.ead-watei- ol' the Couestoga (in In-
! diaii language '■('n.uked I'leek"), was, according to
ascertained records, firat settled by a colony of Welsh
people about the year 1730. They were an oflshoot
I!.v Mrs. Martha Ji-
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
from a colony of Welsh who had emigrated about
1700, and liad made a settlement in the great valley
of Chester County. After some years, in the spirit of
exploration, some of these colonists pushed westward,
and arriving at what is now known as Caernarvon
township, were pleased with the beauty and natural
advantages of the place. The country was then an un-
broken forest, but through a sort of rjalural iiku'Imw
flowed a large and clear spring:, of uatir, and near
this was a sort of cave. Here they rested tem|iorarily
and here determined to locate, and they began at once
to put up a sort of block-house for protection, and to
take up and clear land. As most of these emigrants
were of the Church of England, they with commend-
able zeal .soon began the erection of a log church.
From the reccn-d of Bangor Church I extract the
following charter, as given by William Penn to
these colonists. I transcribe it as written in the old-
fashioned style in the record :
" By the lloMuniUo WiUialn Pen Ksquire Originnl I'loprietur of tlie
province of I'eniifijlvanln, liU cliurl.T. To nil jrereons who slioiil.i hu
BiiiJ Troveuce. Ii i.s Gnintod Uiuy elinll enjoy the freb excrciav of l
gaging a placo of Priviledges. Aiiioiig ntluTB aevol-.il fauiiliiB of Wf li
known by tlie Name of the autitl.l liriltons, Did Transplant Thwnsfiv
flom Wales in Olil England into tlit. ProVinco alorcsaid and setll
Thennclvi-s lirst in tlic tuwiiBliip u( Hadnnr, in tlie Connty of Cliestei
in a Towns
filicilltd C
eru
rvoii fi.i
1 a,liir.'..niu-B
mie name 111 W
ales
in Old England and fi
ing
here Tli
ey (in imitations
of all good C
lis
tians) Fou
id that no
Pla
would
he agreealde to
them without
the
Public Wo
sliipofGod
Th
eiefore 11
iaiiim..u«ly and
■urdially coiiBi-
iteO
and agreed
according t
Ih
ir Worldly CircunistunccB
to Build a Ch
rcb
of 8,|nare
,oga wliicli
they linldhed
and Gave it tli
B iNauie of Bangor
from a Dio
ce-e of that
Nai
lo in Wa
eBinUld Eiighi
1.1. The ininc
ipal
meuibeia \
ho Built lb
aai
d (.'UurLl
were as follows
"Tlloniu
li WilliaiuB.
Philip Dav
es.
George
IIullBon.
UecBo Davi
■3.
George lliittaon. Tlii.iiiaB Ni. liol.,»s.
Edward Nlcholaas. J. din IlinKB.
Kev. Mr. Griffith llugliB, mi.
Rev. Mr. Kogel Blackball.
liev. Mr. Itichard Lock, a.d. 17;!0.
Itev. Mr. Georgo Craig, A.D. n.'il.
"Uy will, Thomas Morgan, Esq., a Welclirnan, of Moigantown, Dec.
Il, 1740, doiuited 03 ucreH Ijing around this log church, which they
id named llangor, to ilo ns" and service. This pro]ierty was let out
1 ground-rents for tlio pnipoBO, .icioiding to the terms of the will, of
jd of 99 years. On Ibis properly lioii:-eh were erected, the church thus
village Bangor, after Bangor, in W.ilen, but In Ibis way It canio to
1 called 'the Cbuichtown,' and bo Cbuiclitown."
About the year 17.54 a new stone church was
erected, to which Nathan Evans, Esq., contributed
one hundred pounds, a princely donation for tliosu
dayiv This church still existed in ii>y childhood. I
remember it its a beautiful specimen of an English
country 'church, with its spire and belfry, its little
box-paneled pulpit, with sounding-board over it,
on which was painted a dove, life-size, its liigli biix-
pews, and an elevated one for the lord of the manor.
This was a mere title of courtesy, as'the land here was
not held as a niiinor, but by individual title. In the
early part of this century this church was taken down,
and one erected on tlie original site of much less
architectural beauty. Some stones, on which the
donors to the old churclt had cut their names, were
incorporated again in the eastern walls. Bangur
Church continued in active ministry until about the
time of the Revolution, since which time it has been
declining, although there was ;t revival of its power
throughout the time it was under the faithful miiii=trv
of Rev. Levi Bull.
I The tir.-t eulnnistsseem to have been mainly farmers
I and men well .^killed in the mechanical arts, ami the
perfection ol their workmanship was to be seen in llie
I few old hou.ses built by them, to which, in skill of
I execution, none are equal in the present day. They
were elaborate in their carved wainscoting and oaken
paneling, but were not constructed with the conveni-
ence of the present d;iy, there being sometimes hnilt
great masses of stone wall, perhaps three feet thick,
for which we would feel no necessity nowadays.
About titty years ago it was desired, in making some
alterations in the Windsor mansion, to take down a
I portion of a wall, but so strongly had it been built,
and hardened had the mortar become, it was found
impossible to accoinidish the task, and this quality
of durability characterizes till their work of which
there are any remains.
Iron-Works.— Among the original colonists was
John Jenkins, wTio had settled on the site of what
afterwards became the Windsor place, put up a tem-
porary building, and entered into contract with Jolin
Thomas and William I'eiin for the purchase of four
hunilred acres of land, Jan. 10, 1733. This was sur-
veyed by order of government, and the patent about lo
be taken out, which, however, for some reason now
unknown, was not executed at that time. Nine years
tifter Mr. Jenkins had made this purchase he sold it,
with what improvements he had made on it, to Mr.
William Branson, of Philadelphia, who took out the
|)atent Dec. :i8, 1742, and erected on it the lower
Windsor Forge, and soon after it tlie mansion-house,
after the English style of building, and named the
place Wind.sor, after the King of England's palace.
In connection with Mr. Branson were associated three
Enghsh gentlemen, Lyntbrd Lardner, Esq., Samuel
Flower, and Richard Hockley, Esqs. Lynford Lard-
ner married Elizabetli,adaughter of William Branson,
who was the sou of Nathaniel Branson, who lived in
i
CAElliNAllVON TOWNSHIP
England. Mr. Branson's dau-lUer Rebecca niarric.l
Mr. Samuel Flower, and Hannah niairicl Richard
Hockle. Richard Penu niarric.l the si.Ur of .Mr.
Lardner.
Alter sometime Mr. liransuii sold onl his interest
thirty years. David Jenkins was in their employ-
ment iji clerking mo>t of that time. The En-lish j
company seem to have been very worthy njcn, ol' high
breeding and cdiaracter, wlio kit tluir imprc-- (jn the
neighborhood.
In 1773, David Jenkins b.inght tlie hall-intcrcst of
the company for the sum of two thousand live hun- ,
(Ired pounds, and when the mutterings of ilie Kcvo- !
lution came on they sold out the remainder to him lor
the sum of two thousand four hundred pounds, in- •
premi^es.
Rev. Thomas Barton was the pastor of Bangor ,
Church at the time, who felt his oath to the English j
government to be binding, and therefore reliminished i
the charge, and I think it probable the company
found circumstances becoming uncomforlalile on
account of English associations.
Mr. Jenkins carried on tlie works successfully,
making additions to them, until about IMJU, when he
was succeeded by his son, Robert Jenkins, who, dying
in 184S, it descended to the late David Jenkins, by
whose death, unnmrrieil, in 1850, the [iroperty was di-
vided among the various heirs. These forges had been
carried on by charcoal, and the increasing scarcity of j
wood and the successful introduction of coal in the i
manufacture of bar-iron rendered them valueless, and j
the water-powers are now dev(;ted to milling ajid |
other manufacturing purposes. It will be seen that i
the establislimeiit of iron-works drew to Caernarvon I
at an early period a large population of employes.
The workmen of the forges were mostly from Wales, !
although there were also other nationalities, but the j
iron-works of Wales supplied the skilled operatives.
For those having families houses were erected on the
" Bank," that being tiie usual designation for an
iron-works place. These people became childlike in
their " needs" upon the " big house," as the proprie- ■
tor's was called. They had not the restless spirit of j
later times, and families grew up, the second and
third generation often, born on the place.
Forgemen brought up their sons to their trade, i
they to be succeeded by their children in turn, and (
so entirely did children become identiiied with the ;
place and such upholders of their supposed rights in j
it, that they would niaintaiu them with a wonderful ]
spirit of pugnacity when they considered them in-
fringed on. A generation ago there was an instance
in a celebrated pugilist, Tom Hyer, w ho inherited his
muscle from his ancestors, three preceding genera- |
tions of whom having been hamntermen, that depart- ;
inent requiring great strength and suppleness of nuis- |
cle to successfully mani[>ulate and draw out the bar ;
44
roll when under the iiammer. It seems as if his
ily may have been of (icrnian origin, as the first
le on the account-books is Lodowic, of the next
cratiion Loiiis. Tugilistic ability was held in high
)f tl
imcof won.lcruil iih>.iral power and strength. There
had settled in the nci-hl.orliood at an early day a
man by the name ui Herman Dchavcn, of Huguenot
ance.stry. He was a man of very powerful physique,
and the blood of the turbulent times of his ancestors
seemed to tingle in his vi'iii>, and wdien these two
men met on luiblic occasions their encounters were
dreadful. It was " tireek meeting Greek."
Among the employes at Windsor while carried on
by the English company were two brothers, James
and William Old, who carried on one of the fires. It
is suppo~cil they came from Wales. James must have
been a man (d' great force of character and natural
ability, as after some years he was able to purchase
the property lying on the Conestoga below Windsor
and erect on it a forge, giving it the name of Pool
Forge. In the course of his business, tradition says,
he engaged in wood-cutting a young man from Ire-
land, by name Robert Coleman, and finding in him
good business faculties engaged him in his employ-
ment. It ended in his marrying his daughter, Ann
Old. Mrs. Coleman was the mother of the young
lady. Miss Anne Coleman, whose engagement of mar-
riage with Mr. Buchanan, afterwards President of the
United States, resulted so disastrously to all parties.
Mr. Cideman alterwards bought a large interest from
the Grubb family in the celebrated Cornwall iron-mine,
and made an immense fortune in working it, so that
he became the great iron-nuister of Pennsylvania.
To his honor be it told that, although his place of
residence, Cornwall, was so far from Churchtown, he
never failed, his life huig, to send yearly a generous
subscription to Bangor Church.
Some time after tlqs there came fromChesterCounty
a young man by the name of Cyrus Jacobs, who en-
tered into business with Mr. Old, married his daugii-
ter, Margaret Old, and became a famous and success-
ful iron-master. He built and carried on Spring
Grove W(,rks, and also built the man.Mon. Pool Forge
coining into his possession after the death of his
brother-in-law, Davies Old, he carried both forges on
with great energy and succe.ss, and made a very large
fortune. He lyas a man of the most enlarged capacity
for money-making. It was a usual thing to say that
"everything turned to gcdd in his hands." Some
years before his death he built the beautiful mansion
of White Hall, to the north of Churchtown, and was
living there at the time of his death, which took
place instantaneously wdiile sitting at his breakfast-
table and reaching for an egg. Hee.X[)ired in the act
of taking it in his liand.
White Hall is now owned and occupied by Mr.
Abram Lincoln. .Mr. ,(acub, had a family of twelve
or fourteen children, who mostly died in early or
090
HISTOllY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
middle life. His desceiuhints hud not the quality of
saving, as he had of acquiring, mmiey, and the splen-
<lid farms he willed to them— White Hall, Federal
Hall, Hampden, Ashland, Pool, Spring Grove, and
other property — are all out of the name at this time.
The name of Old is extinct. Davies Old left two
children, wiio died unmarried, — James Old, who died
in New Orleans in the employment of Benjamin Mor-
gan, the " merchant prince" of New Orleans, and Mi^s
Harriet Old, who died in Lancaster a few years since.
Indians. — The accounts of the Indians or of the
colonists' intercourse with them in colonial times are
exceedingly meagre. It is known there was a settle-
ment or town of them under the lirow of JIaxwell's
Hill, hetween Churchtown and Morgantown, which
sloped down to the Couestoga. The place afterwards
became part of the farm of Jlr. David Jenkins, and
Indian relics were sometimes turned up there in
plowing. It is known they lived in amity with the
whites, and no mistrust between them existed. I re-
member hearing my father, Robert Jenkins, who was
born in 17G7, say that in his boyhood he used to enter
into sports, such as hunting and fishing, with them.
But whether they emigrated elsewhere or diedoffgrad-
ually no one seems to have taken note of. Some years
agooneofour workmen, in quarrying limestone, struck
the mattock into an Indian grave, from out of which
rolled a skull and a little )iot of curious and elaborate
workmanship; an antiquarian expressed his opinion
that the relic was prehistoric. At another time we
found in a solitary place on the edge of the mountain
a large stone, on which was rudely cut the profile and
tomahawk of an Indian, and underneath " Wynius'
grave," evidently done by a friendly white man. Most
probably " Wymus" was the " last of the ;\Iohegans."
Slaves in Colonial Times.— From a list of negroes
taken from an old account-liook at Windsor were the
names of" rhiladelpliia Jim," " Loniion Boat-swain,"
"Black Bill," "Cooba,""(Jua^li." These were Guinea
negro slaves, stnne of thcni buiiu'ht from other parlies,
others from shipboard, ulm wcrr iiuploycd about the
forges and also in fanning' <'iHia:inii.i. I have licard
my father tell anecdote^ lie had liiard of tlirir i^imr
ance of civilized life, such a^ " I'at gra^^s in do licl"
when salad was set befori' tluin. The lir.^t gencralion
of these negroes got thcii- names apparently from the
accident of where they were lirst gotten, or from their
occupation, thus, " Philadelphia Jim," "Slave Boat-
swain," "Negro Mig" (Mingo), or they were pre-
fixes indicating their employment; but the succeed-
ing generation got the classic names of Greece or
Rome. In my early childhood I remember old ne-
groes bearing the names of " Poinpey," " Cicsar,"
" Cato," 'and "Scijjio." No doubt the taste or au-
tliority of the master decided the name, while the
females who presided in domestic matters got the
•names immortalized by the- English poets in their
addresses to their mistresses, such as " Cloe," " Phyl-
lis," " Priscilla," " Clarissa," or " Diana," and the
visions brought up of one of these names in that day,
instead of a sylvan beauty, was that of a comfortahle
old negro cook or a stout washerwoman.
By the laws of Pennsylvania there was gradual
emancijiation. The children of these slaves served
until tl'ey were twenty-eight, and tlieirchildren were
born free, but were generally b<mnd in the families to
whom their parents belonged until eighteen or twenty-
one. Every family of any size had at least two, and
the routine of domestic life moved along much more
smoothly than at the present time. These slaves, as a
class, were a people of extremely courteous manners,
and many anecdotes could be told of their pride uf
station in the families to whom they belonged.'
The Bangor School-House. — The village school
was under the auspices of the Bangor Church, the
church-wardens being trustees of it. They first put
up a log school-house, and afterwards erected a large
and substantial stone building. It was located in the
centre of the village, and divided from the ground of
Bangor Church by a little street running north. The
school-house was set about the depth of a lot hack
from the m.iin .-.treet. This side street seemed to have
been opened for the sake of access to a fine spring of
water which flowed in that neighborhood, and was
convenient to the school.
About sixty or, perhaps, seventy years ago Mr.
Jacobs purchased the house now in the occupancy of
Jlr. Coxe, and determined he would make a hotel of
it. Objection was made by the inhabitants, as there
was a large and good hotel at the eastern end of the
village, which was considered su(ficient for the needs
of the place, and when 5Ir. Jacobs gave out that he
wanted the scliool-house and its property for the use
of the hotel, his offer for it was indignantly refused.
But he had determined he would-have it, and at onco
began to build on his lot, adjoining the school-house,
a large barn and stabling for horses, so close that the
wall alniltcd onihe eastern wall of the school-house,
and Ihc will. lows ha.l to be taken «iit to be filled in
with -stone and mortar; the school, of course, had
buildi
ng was going on.
and when opened again it was found the light had
been d.'strovcd, nor could the lives of children be
endangered hy their ])nixiiiiity to horses, and, worse,
their iiioialh, iVoni the loose class of men who are
apt to hang around tavern-stables. The village felt
a great wrong had been jmt upon it, the more so, as
the school-house had been used by the Methodist
Church as a |)lace for holding worship, and Mr.
Jacobs found he must make some amends. This
property of Pool extended up to the extreme western
I Asa
of Iho
uf "Qu
One ilay " Quiisli" uiot tlia liev. Levi Hull, of whose church lie wiu n
member, who said to him, " Well, ijinish. how d'ye doi" " Very bud,
miiblei-, wid de rh<-iinnttiz." " Ah, I'm sorry lo hejir you fire suffering,
Qtiush." " I iiiUH look fur it, iiuisler, iu my old days, for de ilinumatli
CAERNARVON TOWNSHIP.
ll-l
nu^ie to
tlie ii-^e
rill
^ tlie u
e of the
utl
ft i\,v h
s hotel.
;■<],
a the ,
ro].erty
.Mr
limit of Churclitown, where a road led down to the
lower Windsor Forge. From tliis he cut off a depth
of lots for building jjurposes fronting the great road,
and below them, facing tlie road that ran to Windsor
Forge, laid off a small plot of ground on uliiili he
built a school-house similar to the one lie had spoiled,
and appropriated the Bangor s
of his hotel as a granary, thus
church and school iiro|icrty as
Whether the trustees of I5aiig(
to him I do not know, or on
holds it.
Physicians. — The earliest knowledge I have of
physicians in Caernarvon was of Dr. Kilward Hand,
son of Gen. Hand, of Revolutionary fame. He was
said to be a young man of more than ordinary attain-
ments. In the early part of the present century Dr.
John McCamant became the physician of Caernarvon.
He was a man of skill and success in his profession,
but towards the latter part of liia life turned Ins at-
tention a good deal to politics; served in the State
Senate; removed to Pottsville late in life, where lie
died. Two of his sons now serve in official capacity
in the State service.
Of the families of the early incomers whose names
are on the list of those who contributed to the eslali-
lishnient of the Episcopal Church, I can hardly give
any history. The Davies family had a representa-
tive in late years in Edward Davies, Esq., who re-
sided in Churclitown and was a man of much in-
fluence. He was engaged in mercantile life, but
represented our county in Congress, and was a prin-
cipal supporter of the Episcop;il <'hiHi-li. He lel't a
family, most of them decea-ied, <i\ir i^ mnv the wife
of Judge Strong.
Many of the sons of other old families, when grofrn,
attracted by the visions of wealth to be made in the
great West, migrated, and are scattered here and there
throughout the extent of it. Sometimes the old
Welsh name turns up in some aspirant to political
honors or in some high professional career. When
the report of the gold louiul in Mr. Sutor's mill-race
struck the ear of the North, California got its propor-
tion of seekers after it from Caernarvon. l"ew to bring
hack the shining dust, and soims ala^, to close their
lives in a miner's desolate hut, while the la-t vi.Mon
of the glazing eye, most probably, was some home-
scene of their dear old native Caernarvon.
The fine farms of Caernarvon settlement have for
many years been gradually passing into the hands of
Germans. Of the settlers whose farms lay on the
northern bank of the Conestoga, running from Wind-
sor to Morgantown, with one exception all are owned
by Germans. The 'Nicholas Huttson farm, above
Windsor, is .low <iwiK'd by a (.ierman, so also is the
Beach Spring, formerly owned by Robert Jenkins.
The George Jenkins mill property is now Wertzler's
mill. The John Jentins properly is now occupied
bv Martin Bickam and owned bv Count Dn|)oia, of
Paris, France. The David Jenkins farm was sold to
Peter Carpenter (Zimmerman), and the Joseph Jen-
kins place to Caufman. . Joseph Jenkins' family
\vere«intennarried with tlie Morgans, of Morgantown,
his wife being a Morgan and his daughter, Rachel,
marrying Francis Morgan. This farm approached
the borders of ilorgantown.
! Caernarvon Presbyterian Church.— As the Jen-
kins family, u ho owned Windsor, were Presbyterians,
i and desired a jilace for worship and the burial of their
dead, they, with the descendants of Rlr. David Jeii-
I kins living in Churclitown, laid otf a site for the pur-
pose, this was on ii portion of land of the Windsor
estate lying at the eastern end of the village. On
this was erected, by the help of others, a neat house
of worship, situated in the centre of the graveyard,
! which was planted with evergreens and shrubbery.
[ Here repose the remains of the deceased of the family
of the last century.
The Methodists.— In the beginning of the cen-
tury, wlien Methodism became a power in the land,
j with its system of itinerant ministry reaching to
every family with its earnest zeal, most of the jjeople
' fell aw.iy Iruiu the Episcopal and joined the iletho-
dist Church,- notably so the large and influential
family of the Ev.iiis.
The Jlethodists of the early times of their church,
being served by the itinerating system, held circuit
stations for worship in private houses, and for several
I years service was held at the house of James Nott, one
of the principal forge-men of Windsor place, and Mrs.
! Jenkins always opened her house to the entertain-
ment of the clergy. In this way came to be their guest
the Rev. John Summcrfield, a very distinguished
English Methodist clergyman, who was making a
j tour of America. Wherever he prCached thousands
I hung enraptureil on his eloiiuence ; and so pleasant
j an impression did he make in his private intercourse
I with the family tluit the remark was made that his
j eloquence was not excelled by the graces of his high
j social culture. Mr. .lenkins always gave great en-
couragement t(] the .Meiliodist Church on his place,
and some of the uorkiiieii were among the best and
most influential members of the church. He some-
times gave them the privilege of holding camp-meet-
j ing on his timber-land on the Welsh Mountain.
j After some years a church was built, and a few
years ago, tliis not meeting their wants, a location was
j selected on the southern side of the village, the site
I once a part of the Windsor estate, on which a beau-
' tiful house of worship has been erected. Standing at
! the church-door the lovely landscape that greets the
j eye is not often looked upon. A well-located ceme-
' tery lies On the northern side of the street, opposite
the church. The congregation now have the minis-
trations of a clergyman resident among them.
I Schools.— .\s nothing but the elementary branches
I were taught in the vilhiiie school, there at length was
,,r higl
and
librt made
692
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
to supply it. An academy was built in 1854, on the
ground belonging to the Caernarvon Presbyterian
Churcli. James E. Giffin was the first principal. lie
was succeeded by Thomas 11. ReirMiyder, liy whimi it
was conducted till 1872, wlicn il w:.- .liM-..iiiniiir.l ;
the house for several years was untpccupicd and was
rapidly going to ruin when the township school
directors took the matter in hands and oll'crcd to take
the building, restore it, and take a lease of ninety-
nine years, paying annually a certain huni to the
Caernarvon Presbyterian Cliurch, and it is now used
as a school-house for the district.
Bangor Church from being a large and influential
congregation has dwindled down to mere e.xisteiice.
Some years ago great consternation was awakened liy
its being found tliat the lease <if ninety-nine years
had e.K[)ired, and some people made liard threats
against their property in case they should be obliged
to give it up to the church, but the alarm died away.
The breaking up ami removal of the Davies and
Jacobs families have left none to take their place.
By the strenuous e.xertions of some parties the old
building has been removed, but it may be as truly as
painfully said, " Ichabod" is written on Bangor
Clu.rch.'
The Old Graveyard.— The old graveyard, "God's
acre," has fullilled its |)Urpose. How thickly crowded
lie its slee|)ers in their narrow homes! What mem-
ories arise before us I Who can forget the image of
that inan of God, the Rev. Levi Bull, as witli face
upturned to heaven, and every feature beaming with
the inspiration of Christian faith and hope, with
majestic step, led the w;\y to the open grave, repeat-
ing as he wrnt, " I am the resurrecli.m and the hie,
saith tlie Lord, he that belie\elh in nii- lliough he
were dead yet shall lie live." " 1 know that njv
Redeemer liveth, and that in my tle^li aliall I ,-. l-
God !"
But a history of l?angor and its old graveyard
would not be comjilele without some mention of its
old se.xton, " Black Fred." According to the ehureh
record the sexton's salary was to be jiaid out of the
contributions to the penny bo.\, wdiich, I think, were
rather slim ; but I think they must have come under
a more definite arrangement, as the record says else-
where the sexton was to get " .£1 ten shillings yearly
for the services required," and as a perquisite of office
was to get " seven sliillings and six pence for breaking
ground for a grave for all i)erson3 over ten years of
age, and five shillings for each grave under ten years,"
with the condition that lie must keep them in good
order. But Fred could not have earned the molasses
for his bread in digging graves, for the country was
liealtliy, and the pcr(|nisites must have been few and
far between. But year in and year out, through win-
ter's storms and summer's heat, Fred was always
found punctual in his office, and as the Sahhalh
mornings opened, the sound of the "church-going
bell" would be heard sending its sweet melody over
beaut
in tain
iliC
mdscape, reverberated by the Welsh
the Forest Hills, and soon through
■i, from the forges and the highway,
peoide wending their way to church.
liiise old limes a carriage was the exception to
ihual moile of conveyance, and when at too great
stance to walk, a horse carrying double wna a
1 sight; generally a woman occupied the saddle,
a girl or boy behind on a pillion, and Fred was
ready at the liorse-bloek to help the women otf
hitch' the horse in the little w.jod adjacent the
i a son of Lunnon, who was a native
id was a thorough type of his naliim;
head, exubcianl in his deference to the "powers that
be," but he had a very positive manner to tho.se ho
thought h'U Ill-low that order, which was very apt to
be demon.sl rated towards any poor white who inno-
cently took a .seat which Fred tliil not think com-
ported with his station. The arrangement for ring-
ing the bell in Bangor was primitive. A stout ropo
was attached to the bell In the belfry, it was then
(lassed through a small hole pierced through the Ikior
of the gallery and hung ilangling down into the body
of the church. Punctual to the hour of convening,
Fred would lake Indd id' the rope and, swaying up
and down, wmiM ring the bell. To a stranger the
sight must iia\r lionleied on the liurles(|ue, but haliit
iiiaik- it laiiiili.ir, and we saw nothing ludicrous about
il ; null Its la=t toll, good krv. .Mr. C would walk
1,1 will, a v.-ry conscious a.r of the dignity of eccle-
siastical aiilhontv, and service would begin. Fred
always sialioncl liiniM-lt in llir main aisle and was
hi' if an uiiliinnnate cur would venture to track Ids
iiM-lri into ( hurch, Fred would stop in the midst of
a re>poniu to give him a most unmerciful thwack,
which would send- him out yelping, and it was won-
derful how wise and well-behaved children and dogs
became under Fred's vigilant eye.
Poor old Fred ! how inseparably Bangor Church
and you are associated in my mind's eye ! Why were
your bones not laid in the shadow of the church you
loved so much and served so long and faithfully?
But they rest among your brethren in a solitary spot
on the Welsh Mountain. How reverently now I
would stand at your grave. What if, in my child
vision, I did think you looked like what Darwin or
Huxley would have called a "link" as you stood
jangling that bell-rope, you were in the earnest ful-
fillment of duty, and what greater motive to com-
mand reverence? May we all be as worthy of the
plaudit; "Well done, good and laiihfnl servant," as
you. The profound silence ot your mountain resting-
place is broken only by the bark of the squirrel or
the wliirr of the pheasant, and the mountain arbutus
opens, its sweet fragrant buils on your grave. Peace
CAERNARVON TOWNSHIP.
It lias been said, " No place but has its cl
and Ciieriiarvoii had hers in the [iLTson of ;
About the year 178.S there first appears on the liaii-
gor Ciiureh record, in a cramped, foreign, and almost
illegible cliirography, the name of Yacob Northanier,
afterwards corrupted to Nothanimer. The man who
bore this name was a (ierman, a tailor by trade, wlio,
with a wife and family, settled in a solitary sput mi
the Welsli Mountaiii. Although perfectly harmless
in their deportment to those with whom tliey came
into communication, all their habits of life were so
different from those of the surrounding eomnuuiity
that it threw an air of mystery about them, and at
last there got to be a sus])icioii that tliey had deal-
ings with the evil one. Of course, the idea was „nly
entertained by the ignorant and superstiuous ; wliat
it first arose from I have never been aok- in lind nut,
probably it was from his superior intelligence to the
people of his class. Being a close observer of nature,
he would foretell changes in the weatlier, etc. What
now would be attributed to scientific observation was
then set down to his communion with internal powers.
I rather think, too, that a peculiarly unfortunate per-
sonal appearance liad something to do with it. He
had a large iuunp on his back, and as he sat from
year to year on his tailor-board, it grew larger and
larger until his shrunken body seemed to go all up
into the protuberance. Then his little wizen f.i. i
was a mass of wrinkles, from which looked out small
gray eyes of a peculiar expression. In walking; he
always used a great liickory stall', with which he g<,--
ticulated to give force to his broken language. .\l-
together tliere was such a weird look about him, to
which was added great brusijueness nl' manner, that
superstitious people became Mire that he was a very
agent of ".\uld Clutie," and, of course, children soon
got the idea fi.'ied in theirminds. I never heard of any
positive accusation that he lamed cattle, or blighted
a farmer's crop, or threw "witch-balls" at cows, or
that children threw up pins and needles after being
in his sIukIow, — all was vague; neither was it charged
that he fre(piented " Boggy Hollow," a much traduced
bit of timber land, lying in a low place about a half-
mile beyond the village, through which the great
road ran, and in which jjeople who stayed until
twelve o'clock at night at the village tavern, asserted
" they saw witclies dancing around a boiling caldron,
horses galloping on the tops of trees, and headless
men walking by their sides," as they were making
their way home, yet ])oor (dd Yacoli, it was confi-
dently asserted, was a wizard. Wcik iHiitluTs Iri-lit-
ened their children into submission by threatening
"Old .Voihamiiier," and I suppose no children of
Salem ev.r Ih'd with greater speed from the unfor-
tunate (ieorge Jacobs than did the children of our
village from the sight of aid Yacob and his stalf
His first approacll on the mail was the signal loi us
w.as thought proper to teach children good manners,
we were required to stop and drop a courte.sy, and
wish "good-day" to the passer-by, but old Yacob
iiejer got that attention ; from sight of him we would
rty as nimbly as a Hock of our mountain partridges,
hiding'bebind the old churchyard wall and the poke-
berry buslies that grew so luxuriantly along its sides,
until he was out of sight.
Once, I remember, he happened in our home, and
notwithstanding our mollier's remonstrance that " he
was an innocent old man," w^e lost no time in making
our way up-stairs to crawl under the nursery bed,
and found ourselves in the plight of being wedged
under a trundle in the hope of getting as far off as
possible iVoiii his mysterious power. I have no doubt,
had he lived a century earlier, he would have met
with the same cruel fate as did the unfortunate Salem
George Jacobs ; but, after living to an old age, Yacob
took sick and died, and when people found that his
body was not carried otf by the devil they went to
his funeral, ate the " burying cake," and drank the
wine, followed his poor old body to the grave, and
saw it laid in the consecrated ground of old Bangor
Church, wdiere he had, no doubt, worshiped in earn-
estness and truth.
The Germans. — As I have said, the Germans have
suc.'ceded the old Welsh settlers. They are mostly
Mcnnonites, and stjstain a church in the village. To-
ha.io is now the great product, but I hope, under
their sphiidhl farming, the time will again come
when our l.r..iiiifal valley will he "covered over with
corn," and the shocks of wheat will stand so thickly
on the harvest lield that a wagon can hardly drive
between, as was said in old time of some portion
The schools of Caernarvon townshi[) prior to 183-1
were IiLl- those id" other townships, and spoken of
I'IsLU Ik'ic. Upon the passage of the school law in
that year ellorts were made to carry its requirements
into elfec t, and in that year twelve townships of Lan-
caster County accepted the provisions and proceeded
to organize under the system. Caernarvon was one
of this number. It then cotitained four hundred and
eighty-nine i)ersons who were liable to ta.xation for
school purposes. The township was divi led into
seven districts, in several of which school-houses
were at once erected. The rejiort of the State super-
intendent of schools in the year 1837 shows that at
that time there were seven school-houses, in which
there were seven teachers emidoyed and four hun-
drcil and twenty pupils in attendance. The amount
of tax levied for school purposes was $0(16.18. The
portion of the State appropriation that was allowed
to this township was i:71iiAh). The total receipts
from all sources for school jiurposes were .'?218(i.!)L!,
and the total expenditures §1988.52, of which last
^Ml uas expended for the erection of school-houses
in the year 183(j. At tlie present time there are leu
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
school districts, contiiiiiing four hundred and nine-
teen pupils (one less than in 1837). The cost of
maintaining these schools ibr 1882 was 84911.08.
In the year 1739 the county of Lancaster was di-
vided into eight judicial districts, and the township
of Caernarvon, with Uobinson and Cocalico, were
made into the seveutli district. No account of who
the justices were prior to 1777 has been obtained.
At that time the district which embraced Caernarvon
and Brecknock townships was designated as District
No. 5. A list of the names of the justices wlio
jurisdiction over this territory from 1777 to 1840 will
be found in the civil list of the county in the general
history. By the Constitution of 1839 the township
became a separate district, and the names of
justices from that time to the present are here gi
BIOGR.VrillC.VL SKETCHES.
April 14, 1840. Huiir.v HolTui.ur
Williiini Hour.
April l:l, 1841. Lot llogcra.
April 12, 1M_'. JariifsMcCm.
April 16, 1S4D. C'linrlea KobiM3on.
April 10, 1849. Hansom U. J,icobfl.
April 15, 18o-.i. Jnmt'y BlcCnu.
April 11, ls.'>4. Ilimsonr H. Jacobs.
April 14, 1857. John E. Viilentine.
April 19, 1839. JiiliitB McCnn.
June 22, 1861. David II. SenBuli-
EobL-rt M. Astc
:.t R0{
[itOIl,
The village of Churchtown liesgu the 51 organ t
turnpike, nearly central in the township. The e
liistory of the village is given in the precei
sketch by Jlrs. Nevin. It at present contains a |
Illation of about three hundred. There are thii
churches (Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and Jlethodist
two hotels, two general stores, post-otiice, and tw
practicing physicians. The postmasters
have been Lot Rogers, George Comptoii,
George Compton, and Mrs. Jane K. Ct
present incumbent.
The history of the churches will be found mostly
in Mrs. Nevin's sketch. In 1877 the Methodists
erected a large and commodious edifice. The pastors
since 18()6 have been the Revs. J. S. Lame, J. Dyson,
B. T. Spring, A. L. Wilson, J. E. Devine, S. W.
Smith, and the Mr. Cookman who is at present in
charge.
Beartown lies in the southwest corner of the town-
ship. It is a small hamlet containing a hotel and a
post-oflice. The meeting-house of the Evangelical
Association is a short distance from the village. The
church edifice is about forty by si.\ty feet, built of
stone. The congregation is large and nourishing.
The Rev. Mr. Grouse is in charge.
The Amish.of whom there is a congregation in this
township, have ii meetii.g-house near the east line of
the to\vn.shi|i. The congregation is of the two Caer-
narvoiis, of Lancaster and Berks Counties.
Mor
e th:
n a h
Hid red vears
ago, .To
in Ad an
St^
er
a Gen
lan
•outh
left hisnati
ve land
to seek
I ho
ne
in the
were 1
New W,
is in the f
rid. Health
lUest degree
energy
but in
, and a
worldly
ibil
on
sions 1
e wa
s poo
r,— so ](Oor,
ndeed,
hat to
lay
his
^/^ut.
passage across the sea he "sold himself," as was the
cnstmii among many of the hardy emigrants in
those days. Upon his arrival he was taken by his
purchaser, one Rhine, to Mill Creek, in Lancaster
County, and at Rhine's mill worked until his labors
sufficed to discharge the debt of his passage-money.
After that he pursued his trade as miller at various
places, became eventually a farmer of some promi-
nence in Caernarvon township, and died on his farm
near Churchtown. His wife was Catherine Miller.
His son, Frederick, fiirmed the present Isaac Evans
farm for many years, and in 1825 purchased the farm
now owned by David Styer, his grandson.
In that year Frederick Styer built the mansion on
the place last named, and in 1827 removed perma-
nently to the farm. He married Elizabeth Weilcr,
and died upon the home.Icad in 18:52. His widow
died in New Holland, July 4, 18G7. They had two
sons, John and David, both now deceased. David
Styer was born U|ion the Evans farm, Sept. 12, 1807,
and during his whole life followed the peaceful pur-
CAERNARVON TOWNSHIP,
suits of the luisbandinan. Tliat business of his life
he made, moreover, a profitable and enduring suc-
cess, and, as a recompense for his capable and skillful i
conduct thereof, he won an ample competence. He
was enterprising in liis methods, watclifiil and un-
tiring in his labors, quick to adopt the advanced
ideas of the day, and put into practical use such as
promised the material development of his own indus-
try. He speedily won recognition as a spirited citi/m
endowed with comprehensive judgment, atid an t iin
est advocate of all matters tending to the promotion
of tlie publicgood. He was frequently called to serve
Lis township in positions of trust, and won an euMa i
ble record for the faithful and zealous discharge ot
his duties. He was chosen a county commissioner in
1849, and was president of the board of commissioneis I
under whose direction the present court-house « is '
constructed. He was active and alert in the arduous
labors attendant upon that enterprise, and recLiM.d
liberal and warm approbation for the important -.ti
vices he rendered the county in that connection It
has long stood, and will long stand, as a moniunent
to his memory. He served also during one teim i^
county poor director, and as assistant revenue isse^
sor of the Ninth District. In church work he w is
an ardent worker, and in the cause of public educ i |
tion he gave freely of his means, time, and energies
From his boyhood he was a valued member ot the i
Lutheran Church, and for years was deacon, trustee
and treasurer of the Centre Church. He was married I
Dec. 6, 1832, to Fannie, daughter of John «hirk, of
Lancaster County. Mr. Styer died July 4, 1S82. ]
His widow survives him. Of their seven children j
four art- living, to wit, John A., Mary A., William,
and Da\id.
cordwood on the mountain, his wages aggregating
two shillings a cord. At the age of fifteen he engaged
as a farm harnl in his home neighborhood, and after
laboring thus three years he was apprenticed to
Wilsdn Hamilton, of Morgantown, to learn the trade
of a wheelwright. After completing his ajiprentice-
sliip in 1831, he continued to work for ]\Ir. Hamilton,
and remained with him until 1837. The ensuing
^:' '-^^^^^''^c^.
r '-. . ' .* t '
EDWARD D. WHITK.
Among the living representative men of his section
Edward D. White, of Cliurchtown, Caernarvon town-
ship, stands in a conspicuous place. He was burn in
Caernarvon, Jan. 30, 1810, upon the farm now owned
by Robert Yocuni. His father, John White, was a
native of Berks County. Upon his maternal side he
is descended from the old German family of De Ha-
ven, the progenitor of which in Pennsylvania caniu
to the State from the kingdom of Hanover at a very
early day. Of John White's eight children but luur
are living,— Edward D., of Cliurchtown ; Mrs. Kli/,.i
beth Pierce, of Berks County; Dr. John White, .i
prominent dentist of Philadelphia; and .^Irs. Harrici
Baldwin, of Salisbury township, Lancaster Co.
Edward White was at a youthful age deprived of
the care of his |)arents, and taught, even before his
limited Hchool-days were ended, the lessons of uij^i ni
self-reliance learned by the children of the poor. IK
knew what hard work was as soon as he was able lu
tax his physical energ'es. At the age of thirteen he
shouldered his axe, and for two years thereal'ter cut
6.a).^'f4iG^
year he spent in Ohio, and returning to Pennsylvania
in 1838, he opened a wheelwright's shop that year in
Geigertown, Berks Co., and carried on the business
for six years, or-until 1844. In the year last named
he sold out his shop, and purchasing the store busi-
ness of Edward De Haven, at Churchtown, began his
career as a merchant. Energy, industry, and prog-
runs had li. .n his mainsprings of action, and to his
n< w eiilLipri-c he so earnestly applied those princi-
ples that Ik- ;..nued success as he extended his expe-
lience, and e\p:inded his trade to mure than ordinary
pro|iurLioiis. In isr)4 he retired from merchandising
lo jdiii Willi. uii Jacobs as a partner in the conduct of
ilic ■ r.ioi forge." The latter business was aban-
duiad 111 LSOS, and in that year Mr. White resumed
store-keeping in Cliurchtown, and followed it with
much success until his permanent retirement in 1804.
Siure thai tiiiie he has cuiitinued to have his home
I 1 t'hiii litiiwu, and liaviii- earned a release from
nslle.--3 at Livity, ha^ eaju}Ld, in the leisure that com-
petence yields, the fruits of his industry. He has not,
however, in the interval been altogether inactive, for
from ISOO to 1881 he served as justice of the peace, is
G96
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
10 l,as
now notiiry public, and from time to time has been ]
called iijion to act us trustee in the settlement of I
estates. In 1807 he was chosen president of the
Honeybrook Bank, and remained at tlie head of that !
institution until 1S77. He was one of the incnrpo- I
raters of the Delaware Uiver and Lancaster Railroad
(now about to be built), and is now (jne of the direc- '
tors thereof In the euu^e of public education
ever been an active worker, and in its behalf
voted not oidy time and labor, but liberally
means. He has been a school director for about fif-
teen years, and to his present term was elected without
opposition. He was for some years a trustee of the
Presbyterian Church, is now a trustee of the Cbunli-
town Methodist Episcopal Church, and at various
times has fnrnished generous financial assistance to-
wards t!ie erection of houses of worship in his town-
ship. He was appointed postmaster at Churchtowu
in 1844, and held the office seven years. He was a
stanch Democrat until the outbreak of the late civil
war, but that episode changed his politics, and since
then he has been strongly Republican. In 1858 he
was received into Social Friends Lodge, I. 0. O. F.,
No. 404, of Honeybrook, and still holds his inendjcr-
sliip therein. JIarch 12, 1840, he was married to
Margaret, daughter of John and Catharine .Amnion,
of 15erks County. No children have been vcuu-h-
safed them. Their adopted daughter, .Sarah While
Hoffman (Mr. White's niece), is now ibf wife ot Hon.
Aaron W. .Snader, of New Holland,
upon the old Jackson homestead, near Joanna Furnace,
in Berks County. He was a man of earnest purpose
and enter|)rising energy. As a leading farmer he held
a worthy place, and during his life amply e.\emi)lified
the spirit 111' thnit and industry. In matters affecting
the publir- weal he was I'ver to be found among the
foremost, and altluui-h he hesitated to put himself
f.rwar.l as a pulilieal ie|uvseMlative, he manifested at
all times a keen iuleiv-i in the pro-ressive spirit of
the age, and whenever he lelt the call of duty upon
him cheerfully accepted the burden of such local
public trusts as fell to his share. Such trusts he zeal-
(uisly performed, and with sucdi faithfulness that he
gained general approbation. For uuiuy years be was
identified with the substantial interests of Caernarvon
township, and as one of its prominent farmer-citizens
was well known and highly esteemed. He died in
.\pril, 1882, upon iiis farm near Churchtowu, aged
upwards of eighty-three. His death was the loss of
an u|)right man, and in the community that had
known ami a|jplauded him for his worth he has left
a valuable memory that will be cherished for more
than a brief space. One son and two daughters sur-
vive him,— Edward Lincoln, of Caernarvon; Mrs.
Abner E.James, of Berks County; and Mrs. John
SAMUKL LINCOLN^ |
The Lincolns of Berks County were, in their day,
among the best known and most highly esleenu'd
citizens of that section. They boasted an anccsti-y
that fiowed backward to the early days of New Ivig- ;
land's history, and upon the pages of that history as j
now preserved the name of Lincoln will be found
among the names of those who gave to the Graidte I
State herstanchest sons and bestowed upon her pros-
perity and strength, the elements of industry, iute--
rity, and patriotic zeal. Transplanted frmn the Ea^i
tothegrowing province of Penn, the Lincolns of Ne\v
England rendered yeoman's service in i)ushing old
Berks forward in the struggle for supremacy, and
upon the current of events that noted the best phases
in the progress of that county they ma<le a worthy
mark. James Lincoln, of that family, was a well-
known citizen of that portion of the county adjacent
to Morgantown. He married Elizabeth, daughter of
Caleb Jones, of Berks County, and died in 18(32 at the,
age of ninety-four. They had eight children, of
whom but three are living, — Abraham, of Lancaster
County, near Chnrelit..wn ; Ann, living at Church- 1
town; and David, of Birdsborough, in Berks County. ;
Samuel Lincoln, one of James' sons, was born in .\u-
gust, 1798, in Berks -(Jonnty, and upon his marii.i-e
to a dau.diter of Thomas Jaeks.m made his Ihhuc
ll.A.NSD.V B. J.iCOBS.
Hanson B, Jacobs, son of Richard Jacobs, was born
at Spring (Jrove I'orge, Lancaster Co., June C, 1812,
and died at ( 'linrchtown, June 27, 1879. His grand-
lather, Cyrus .Jacobs, was one of the best known of
the laiuous ii(ju-masters of Lancaster County's early
history. He succeeded to the iron jnterests possessed
by the Olds family in Lancaster County, at what were
known as the Spring Grove and Pool Forges, on the
Conestoga near Churchtowu. Cyrus Jacobs was a
man of more than ordinary importance, and com-
manded the respect and favor of the intelligent and
|.;../ii -u. .lenient in his county. He was a man of
I ii-e la.id d pioperty. Upon the estate stood three
iiiau-nius III iiMire than ordinary pretensions to archi-
tectural exielleiice and substantial construction.
f |j'-n- N^as niie at S|)ring Grove, and two near Church-
tnwii. Tin V are all to-day in a state of e.xcellent
pre-ei vaiiou, atid still challenge attention as model
homes, f.deral Hall and White Hall are within
easy sight of Churchtowu. At the latter lived Cyrus
Jacobs, and there he dispensed royal hospitality and
lived as became a veritable "lord of the nuinor."
His son Richard (hither of Hanson) died Nov. 22,
1818, in- his thirty-fourth year. Cyrus continued in
active business until his death. May 0, 1830, at the
age of seventy, llis jiroperty passed to his grandson
Hanson, then but eighteen years of age, and still at-
tending school, Hanson took no active part in the
nianasremeiit of the iron-works njitil about the time
CAERNARVON TOWNSHIP.
697
the
of his marriage, in 183G. From that ti[iie lorward'liL' ik'cii|
bestowed close personal attention upon the conrhict ; atten
of the enterprise, and niana^i'd it with success until | Pliila
the business of iron manui'acturi.'. in tliose parts ceased
to be i)rofitable. lie retired thereupon to |)rivate life,
and at the Windsi)r place passed the remainder of his
days in comfortable ease. Mr. Jacobs was a prominent
figure in the militia when to belong to the militia
was considered the pleasurable duty of every ciliziii.
He held a general's commission for some time, and at physician.
military gatherings in various sections of the county
was a familiar and gallant figure. For several years
he served as justice of the peace, and in other ways i t> i < t i
, ., .,.,.,, ... .1 Robert Jenk
was prominently identihed with the administration , ^^ itjui
of local alfairs. Mr. Jacobs was married, Sept. 2'J, j , ' ,
183G, to Catharine, daughter of Robert Jenkins, of' '"'-^^'-' '"
Caernarvon township. She survives him, and has ^
her home upon the Windsor place in Chnrcht-
where lier father and her gramlfather liefore ho
sided. Hanson 15. Jacobs and his wife had ~
children. The living are Robert J., (;atl,ariiu
Charles S., Anna H., Marv 15. 15., and Jolin II
D.VNIEL D. ZELL.
Among the early settlers of Lancaster Count}
name of Zell will be tbund prominent. The /
are intimately identified with the history ot Liti
Britain township. Isaac Zell, well known in en
life as a farmer in Little Britain, was educated fi
the ministry, and served many years as a nreacher
the Jlethodist Ei)iscopal Church. He died in Litt
Britain in 1875, aged seventy-six. His widow (a
daughter of Joseph Swift, whose anci-tor> were ol
Lancaster County's pioneers) is still livinu' upon the
old homi'stcad, at the advanced age of ci_'hlv-two.
Isaac Zrll had .devrn children, all of whom arc living
and have llu-ir homes in Lancaster t'onnty. His
seventh son was Daniel D. Zell, now and for many
years a resident of Caernarvon township. Daniel
D. Zell was boru in Washington borough, Lancaster
Co., Feb. 8, 1838. He was educated in his youth at
the home district school, comideted his education at
the Union Academy, Columbia, aii<l upon his father's
farm learned the rudiments of self-reliance through
the industrious and valuable experience of busy
labor. At the age of twenty-one he left lionie to
make his own way in the world, and for a start en-
gaged in the cultivation of tobacco in Caernarvon
Iphia. In 180
during the winter of 1878-79
lectures at Jetl'erson College,
) he married Anna, daughter
of ,Maj. William Ringwalt, of Caernarvon township.
Although the pressing demands of business have thus
far inferfered with the completion of his medical
studies, it is Mr. Zell's jHirpose to pursue them to
rse.
ROBERT JENKIXS.
s (born July 10, 1767, and died April
his time one of the foremost men of
V He came of W. Mi UKi.str% his
township. For a period of eleven years ho di
his time between that occupation and servii
clerk in the store he now condii. t^ near Church
In 1870 he migrated to the West on a ]>rospc
tour, and returning in 1871, embarked in busing
a huckster in Caernarvon, and Ibllowed it to 1S7.'
167a he determined to fit himself for a jphysii
career, and from 1875 to 1878 studied medicine
Dr. L. Z. RingwaU, of Churchtown, becoming n
while (1870) a merchant at the location sime
nto La
I'd froii
nd lyi
Pennsylvania, and settled in Chester
ihn Jenkins, son to David Jenkins just
icasler County in 1731, and in
William Penn a grant for a
ig along the Conestoga Creek,
ortion ol Lancaster County.
Previ
ased 1
698
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
kins, and fuunded thereon the Windsor Iron-Works, I
which tliey conducted with more or le=s success until I
aljout the outbreak of hostilities between Great Brit- '
ain and America, wlien tliey sold the property to
David {born July G, 1731), son of John Jenkins. 1
David managed the works with much profit, and at '
his death left them, as well as three thousand acres
of land, to his son Robert, the works then including
what are known to this day as the Upper and Lower
Forges, on the Conestoga, near Cliurchtown. David,
father to Robert Jenkins, married Martha Arnion, of
Pequea (of Scotch-Irish ancestry), and had three sons,
— Robert, William, and David. Robert became an
iron-master, William an eminent lawyer, and David !
a farmer. i
Robert Jenkins carried on the business of iron-mas-
ter at the Windsor Works from 1799 to his death, in
the spring of 1848, and in its conduct displayed sig- I
nal ability. He came to be widely known, and rose I
to be one of the conspicuous figures in the current ;
events that marked the progress and development of
Lancaster County's substantial prosperity. At ills
death he left the works and four tiiousand acres of
land. His son David continued the iron-works until
his death in 1850, when they passed to other hands.
Robert Jenkins was eminent as a citizen as well as
a manufacturer, and held a high and honored place
among his fellow-men. He was liberal and enterpris-
ing, endowed with rare intelligence, and ever among
the foremost in the promotion of all projects seeking
the popular good. At an early period of his life he
was chosen to the State Legislature, and from 1807 to
1811 sat in the halls of Congress. That service was
given in the dark and stormy period that preceded
the second war with Great Uriiaiii, and in the impor-
tant discussions and measures incidental to that time
his voice was ever heard to worthy jjurpose and his
actions fashioned as became a stern, unflinching pa-
triot. He served his country with honor, and won
earnest recognition for his valued efforts. During the
prevalence of the Whiskey Insurrection iu Pennsylva-
nia, Mr. Jenkins took an active part in the field
against the insurrectionists, and gained much credit
in the campaign. His death was viewed as a public
calamity, and upon the occasion of his funeral up-
wards of a thousand persons assembled to te=lify to
the worth of the departed, and to the e.Ktent of the
alUictiou which the comniunity had been called upon
to sustain. His widow (Catharine, daughter of Rev.
John Carmichael, of Chester County) died Oct. 23,
1850. Of his two sons and si.x: daugliters, the living
are Mrs. Catharine Jacobs, Mrs. Jolm W. Nevin,and
Mrs. Alfred Nevin.
ISRAEI, KliKN.
Israel Kern, one of Caernarvon's representative
farmer-citizens, was born Feb. S.i, 1835, near (.'Imrch-
town, upon the farm now owned by Matthias Ilirnch
His father, Adam, a well-known farmer, ,iii'd in April,
1856. His mother, Sarah, died Sept. 9, 1680, aged
eighty-eight years, and to the time of her death was
quite active and hearty. Of their si.x sons, Israel is
the only one living. He was bred a tarmer's lad, and
during* his life has known no other occupation save
that of farming, to which he applied himself during his
most active years with such energy and industry as to
gain a substantial competency. Having thus profitably
employed his earlier manhood, he is enabled now to
enjoy a well-earned rest, albeit he still makes his
home upon his farm. With his brother, David, he
purchased the Kern homestead (now the William
Styer farm), upon their father's death, and resided
there until 1800. In that year the two brothers
bought the farm now owned by Israel and removed
thereto. Their purchase embraced one hundred
and fifty-two acres of valuable land, and until the
fall of 1871 they carried it on together with signal
success. Nov. 14, 1871, David died, and Israel then
became the sole possessor of the property. Sept. 7,
1875, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and
Sarah Me.ssner, of Ephrata township. Jacob Mess-
ner died in December, 1872. His widow is still
living.
Mr. Kern was reared in the Lutheran faith, and
has been a member of St. John's (Centre) Lutheran
Church since his boyhood. His life has been so
closely devoted to the useful pursuits of husbandry
that he has had neither time for nor inclination to-
wards participation in public affairs, other than occa-
sionally serving in such township offices as naturally
fell to his share and duty. He has sought to exem-
plify the value of a useful existence, and in a quiet
and unostentatious way he has made that life an ex-
ample. He is held in high este.em as a citizen, and
although not boasting an eventful record, has earned
one that easily gives him a right to a place among
the valuable members of the community in which he
lives.
CHAPTER X L I.
Erection and Boundary Line.— This is one of the
northwestern townships of the county, and is bounded
on the northeast by East Cocalico, on the southeast by
Ephrata, on the southwest by Warwick, on the west
by Elizabelh township, and on the northwest by Leb-
anon County.
The township was erected by a division of Eliza-
beth township in 1853, by order of the court, upon the
rei>ort of Emanuel Shaell'er, Jlorris Hoops, and Wil-
liam Carpenter, Efq., commissioners apijointed to ex-
amine the feasibility of erecting said township. The
uol Nitaly,
eyj/iae/ ^Jl^yyn^
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
division lines were surveyed liy Samuel Nissly, Esq.,
of Clay township, as follows: '' Coninieneing on the
bridge over Hammer Creek (below niill-dani), in the
public road leading to Lancaster ; tlienee in said road
644 perches to the bridge over Middle Creek; thence
up Jliddle Creek IIG perches to Furnace Run ; thence
up Furnace Run 427 perches to Seglock Run ; thence
up Seglock Run 921) perches to Lebanon County, 226
perches west from a marked stone on the west side of
a public road in said Lebanon County line; thence
along the Lebanon County line to West Cocalico
township line; soutlierly along said West Cocalico
township line and Lidiaii Ruji to Ephrata township
line ; thence southwesterly along Ephrata township
line to Hammer Creek and Warwick township ;
thence up Hammer Creek to place of beginning."
Pioneer line. — An act of Assembly was passed
Feb. 13, 1813, to annex a part of Lancaster to Leb-
anon County, " beginning in the Berks County line;
thence tlirough Lancaster County to a sandstone
house on the road leading from Shaeflerstown to
Elizabeth Furnace, leaving said house in Lebanon
County; thence to a house of one Shroyer, deceased,
including said house in Lebanon County, on tlie road
leading from Lebanon to Manheim ; thence to Sny-
der's mill, on the Conewago Creek." This somewhat
reduced the area of what was then Elizabeth town-
sliip, and in 1815, at the April session of the Lan-
caster County Court, C. Carpenter, Abraham Forney,
and Samuel Geeher were appointed commissioners to
annex a part of Warwick and Cocalico townships to
Elizabeth township, as follows: " Beginniiig at a
black-oak tree in the Lebanon and Lancaster County
line; thence a southwest course through Warwick
township to John Beidler's tavern, occujiied by
George Plasterer (now Pennsville), leaving said tav-
ern in Elizabeth townsliip; thence along a public
road leading from Mount Hope Furnace to Lititz, to
a public road leading from Jhiuheim to John Eby's
mill; thence along said road to Hammer Creek;
thence down Hammer Creek to a public road lead-
ing from Lititz to a tavern on the Downingtown,
Ephrata and Harrisburg turnpike, owned by Philip
Krig (now in the village of Lincoln), leaving said
tavern in Cocalico township; thence a straight line
to where the Lidian Run empties into Trout Creek ;
thence up Indian Run to the head of spring thereof,
on lands of Robert Coleman, Esq., near the residence
of Adam Wampole; thence a north course to Lan-
caster and Lebanon County line; thence along said
line to |)lace of beginning."
The report of the c<nnmissioner3 was made Aug. 2,
1815, and confirmed by the court at November ses-
Soil and Products.— The soil in the southern part
of this township is equal in fertility to any in the
county; being underlaid witii.lime rock prevents the
percolation which in some soils soon exhausts ihc
fertilizers applied. The northern part of the town-
ship is more of a sandstone gravel and less fertile,
except in the valleys where underlaid with rock.
The different cereals usually raised in this county
are brought forth in abundance in Clay township, as
well as large qmintities of tobacco. In the hills and
mountains are found some of the best red sandstone
j to be found anywhere in the State, and of the various
I colors and hues with which this kind of stone is sus-
I ceptible. From the quarries of Clay large quantities
of thestone used in building the Lancaster court-house
and prison were obtained.
From the lime-quarries of the south end of the
township large quantities of stcjne are quarried and
converted into lime, and returned to the soil in the
j form of a fertilizer, which is used in large quantities
I by the farmers of other townships as well as Clay.
This business and use of this kind of fertilizer has in-
creased from a few bushels in 1825 to, in some cases,
as high as one hundred bushels per acre.
I In the early history of this township, or in 1760,
the land along either side of what is now the Down-
1 ingtown, Ephrata and Harrisburg turnpike was cov-
I ered with a small growth of what was then known
as grub-wood and hazel-nut and other small and
I almost worthless kinds of trees, and the locality was
! known by the old German settlers as " Grubenland,"
I and among other things were large quantities of wild
game, such as deer, bears, and other small game.
[ Pioneer Raiment and Provisions.— Previous to
i the present century flax was one of the principal pro-
' ducts of the soil of what is now Clay townsliip, or at
j least as much as was required for home consumjitiou
j in the manufacture of wearing apparel for the in-
habitants, both old and young. Farmers usually
raised from half an acre to one and a half acres each,
and when ripe it was pulled by hand, tied into small
bundles, and when dried the seed was separated from
the stalk by taking a bundle in the hands and beat-
ing the seed end of the tiax against a log or large
stone, which woutil also open the boll in which the
seed is grown. The flax was then spread upon green-
sward until the woody part was sufficiently rotted,
when it was broken by means of what was then
known as a hand-break, when it was hackled, sepa-
rating the woody part or inside of stalk from the
fibre. The fibre was then hatcheled by hand, and
made ready lor the spinning-wheel. The spinning
was mostly done during the long winter evenings, and
not unfreqiiently parties of a dozen or more of the
pioneers' daughters would meet of an evening and
have an oUl-fasliioiied "spinning bee," each carrying
her own wheel upon her shoulder. The thread thus
spun was next placed in the hands of the weaver,
who would weave the linen any desired width, usu-
ally about a yard wide. The finest of the linen was
used for shirting, and the coarser dyed in colors to
suit the owner and made into other wearing apparel,
u-sually breeches and jackets.
But a small amount of woolen goods was worn by
700
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
the pioneer of tlie last uentury, as CDiiiparatively lew
sheep were raised at that time. The wool was cleansed
in a primitive way, carded into rolls by hand, and
spun and wove by hand, the same as the linen.
The provisions of the pioneer were more of a sub-
stantial nature than those at the jiresent day. Luxu-
ries in provisions were few, and the families that could
allbrd them far between. Pork and wild meat were
the backbone of the pioneer farmer, with such vege-
tables as he could raise in tlie little patch near the
cabin. Beef and corn was not then a staple food as
at present; soup of some kind, occasionally some
mush and molasses. Hut the sturdy old German
pioneer loved his sauerkraut und speck, snitz und
knep, bastenaden, karbsen, rueben, weiskraut, boh-
nen, erbsen, mehl und grumhereii soup, noodle soup,
smaltz kuchen, apple-tumbles, pul-pie, panliasen,
and other good things not always at hand.
Pioneer Settlers. — Most, if not all, of the pioneers
of wdiat is now Clay township came from Germany
and located here between the years 1740 and 1770,
among wdiom were the Weidnian, Weachter, Miller,
Elser, Householder, and other families belonging to
the Lutheran congregation, and from a place called
" Durlach," as can be seen on some of the grave-
stones in the Brickerville Church graveyard, one of
which reads, " Born in llussheim, in der Morgrafchutt
Durlach, in Europe," and were called in that section
of the township the Durlachers, finm wliieli the Dur-
lach post-oflice received its name.
The Brubacher, llackman, Wissler, and other fami-
lies were Mennonites, and among the other families
were the Appel, Bentz, Bollinger, Deardorf, Weaver,
Herchelroth, Stover, Erb, Eberly, l.aber, Oberlin,
Heacker, Wealand families, and .snme oihers of the
first settlers, who lived in one-story I'rame or log
houses, a small number of which are stamling yet.
Niss/y Family.— 3 iiwh, the pioneer of the Nissly
family in this country, came here in the early part of
the last century, and settled in the west part of what
is now Lancaster County, and was naturalized in 1729.
He had three sons, — Jacob, John (Hans), and Henry.
Jacob, Jr., had three sons also,— Henry, Jacob, and
Martin. John (Hans) Nissly had six sons,— Michael,
John, Jacob, Abraham, Samuel, and JLirtin. The
first above-named Henry Nissly was born in 172:i,
married a Miss Ileif, and resided on a mill property
and one hundred and si,\ty acres of land on Chikis
Creek, below Sporting Hill, in Rapho township. He
was the ancestor of the Nissly family of what is now
Clay township. He had eiglit children,— Barbara,
married to Michael Brandt; Anna, married to Jabez
Sluiey; Henry, JLartin, Catharine, married to Dr.
Michael Kaufman (late of Manheim borough) ; Jacob,
and A[aria and Abraham, who died in infancy.
JLartin Nissly (last above named) was born Jan.
16, 1709, married Elizabeth Hallocker, and located in
what is now Clay township in 17S7, on a farm of one
hundred and seventy-two and one-quarter acres of
land. He had two children,— Catharine, married to
Benjamin Bollinger; and Henry, who was born July
1-2, 1783, and nnirried Catliarine, daughter of Peter
JLirtin, and died in 18(J9, leaving nine children,—
Peter, Martin, Henry, Samuel, Elizabeth, John, Cath-
arine, Anna, and Isaac Nissly, all born in Clay town-
ship. Peter married a Pfoutz, and has one sou, Jacob,
residing near Richland, in Lebanon County. Sam-
uel, a justice of the pe.ice for Clay township, is pos-
sessor of the old Nissly homestead farm in Clay.
Isaac married a Miss Bryson, and died in 1862, leav-
ing one child,— Ida V., now living in Reading. Sam-
uel's mother was Catliarine, daughter of Peter Jlartin,
and was born in what is now Ephrata, Pa., March
29, 1789, in the house now occupied by Adam Konig-
macher.
Peter :\rartin located in Clay township in 1804, in
the house now ,jceupied l.y .bilm Y. Weidman, where
his daughter Catharine married UeJiry Nissly. In
1808, John Martin, grandfather of Mrs. Nissly, came
from Bradia, Switzerland, and located in Shenandoah
County, Va., and married Ann Maria Koelb. He
was a shoemaker by trade, and subsequently, with his
wife and three children, — Peter, Ann Maria, and
Catharine,— all horn in Virginia, together with his
wife's two brothers, John Adam and Jonathan
Koelb, and a sister Christiana, emigrated to Ephrata,
and located on the hill, a short distance from the
"Sisters' House." The Koelbs were both bachelors
and shoemakers by trade, and died at E|)hrata of
old age, and their sister Catharine married a Mr.
Luther.
Hans (John) Martin, also at Ephrata, made shoes
and had a small stoie.and died at the age of seventy-
seven years wheie Adam IConigmacher now lives.
His son, Peter .Martin, when t\venty-seven years of
age, married Catharine h'liekinger ; his daughter,
Ann Maria, married Saniuel Keller, and his daugh-
ter, Catharine, married Henry !\Iiller, who owned tlio
property now owned by Israel Erb. Hans (or John)
Martin was a scrivener as well as shoemaker and
storekeeper, and at the age of thirty-two years was,
in 1791, commissioned by Governor Thomas Mifflin
as justice of the peace for Cocalico and Elizabeth,
and in 1804 moved into what is now Clay township,
wdiere he kept a store till 1829, and was acting justice
of the peace till 1830, a term of forty-four years, and
died in 1844 in the eighty-fourth year of his age. liiu
children were Catharine, Mary, Jacob, Anna, Han-
nah, Peter, Isaac, and Elizabeth. Catharine married
Henry Nissly in 1SU8; Mary married Jacob Eberly
and moved to Columbus, Ohio; Salome (Mary) mar-
ried Samuel Erb and resided in Clay township, on
the farm now owned by Hiram Krh ; Jacob niiirricl
Catharine Forry and usided near SliippLiisliurg, I'a,,
where his wife died in is:!4; Anna married Ouea
Bruner and resided in New Ephrata, now Lincoln
village, where he kept a siure and died in 1845; Han-
nah miuricd Uiehard R. Jleistler, Esq., a shoemaker
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
by trade, surveyor and scrivener, resided at E|)lirata,
and died in 1S47 ; las wife is still living. Teter, Jr.,
married Charlotte Konigniaclier, and I'or his second
wife her sister, Susannah Koniginacher. lie was a
surveyor and scrivener, also was elected pioilicmotury
of tliecounty in 18G0, and associate judge in ISili;, and
died
1834 ]■:
Readiii]
-fourti
ige.
where h(
Wdss, Bollimjer, J'foat:, Eoi/er, F/7/.— dacoh W
obtained a warrant ,fan. 4, 1733, for one hundred and
sixty acres of land, and after having settled upon and
improved a tract of land containing two hundred and
eighty acres, situated on either side of Middle Creek,
died in 1753 before obtaining a |)atent I'or the same.
He left two sons, Jacob and George Michael. Jacob
obtained a p;itent for one hundred and forty acres,
and in 1754 sold the same to his brother, George
Michael \Veis.s, who in 17()2 obtained a patent for the
other one hundred and forty acres, and in 17()7 sold
seventy-one and a quarter acres to Daniel Bollinger,
and tlie same year sold seventy-three and three-fpiar-
ter acres to Abraham Frantz, and in 1771 l"i;uU/. -old
the same to Martin Mover, and in ISIl M„ycr s,,ld
the same to Rev. Jacob I'fnutz. His sons were John,
Jacob, Moses, Abraham, and Davi.l Pfoutz. In 18.")2
David Pfoutz became the invner of the seventy-three
and three-quarter acres, and died in 1S7."). His son,
Henry Pfoutz, is now the owner of the property.
Daniel Bollinger, the owner of the seventy-one and
one-quarter acre tract, had two children, Peter, and
Anna who married John Rover. Peter Bollinger
(son of David) became the owner of the tract in 17'J2,
and retained possession till his decease in 1840. His
children were Daniel, Benjamin, Christian, Jacob,
Samuel, and Anna. Anna married Samuel Royer,
and Sauiuei, son of Peter Bollinger, became the owner
of the tract, and in 1851 sold to Jacob Fry, who in
1878 sold to Abraham Fry, the |)resent owner.
The Hirchdruth Family (pronounced Jfcrkelrode). —
John Herchelroth, one of the pion(^ers of Clay, emi-
grated from Germany, and took up, under warraiit of
March IG, 1747, a tract of one hundred aud fifteen
acres of land, lying on the west side of Middle Creek,
and located on the same, where he died, leaving six
children, — Lawrence, Jtdin, Henry, Christian, Juli-
ana, and Elizabeth. In 1702 his son Lawrence be-
came the owner of the above tract, for which he pro-
cured a patent in 17C4. He also purchased another
tract adjoining, and after his decease his two sons,
Henry and Lawrence, became joint owners of the two
Iracts, find in ISK! made a division of the property.
Lawrence settled on the original or south tract, war-
ranted by his father in 1747, and Henry took the
north tract. Middle Creek being the dividing line be-
tween their tracts. The original tract is now owned
by Benjamin Bollinger, who married a Herchelroth,
and i-
a .son of Abraham Bollinger, who resided on
what^
s known as the Deardorf property.
Dai
nhrf and noinn<ier.—ln 1748, Henry Deardorf
settle.
o)ie h
built
on the west si.le of .Middle Creek, on a tract of
nidrrd an<l -rvnily a, •,•,•-, of land, wIhtlIiii he
I ',.n,- aii.l a li.il f -toiy linu-e, which is still
standi
drcca
ig, and n| wliirli is the name of the then
and datr of biiildiiig the limi-c. Alter the
ent.lnhn ]).ar,lnir, AKraliaiii 1 ).;udorf became
po.se>
it pa.-
sed into the' hands of Abraham Bollinger, and
7 .lacob Bollinger became the owner, and died
Anr
2. He had
Elizabeth,
children, viz. : George, Jacob,
irine (married Emanuel Wid-
dcr), i\Liry (married Samuel Fahnstock), and Sarah
Bollinger. Abraham's son, Jacob, became the owner
of the Bollinger part of the tract, and died in 1875,
and in 1883 the i)roperty was owned by Henry Bol-
/loiiseliokler a
Weidman obtai
forty-four and
obtaining a pat.
drcn, viz- : Mar
(/ Slol,er.—Uv
thias
Job
Matlhia.
3, 1733, Mil
line hundred an.l
1, and died before
le left four chil-
i, and Elizabeth,
whir mairiid Adam Householder, wdien they sold
their intcrc-t in the above tract to Lawrence House-
holder, who was born in 1727. He subsequently,
Jan. 22, 17(12, |jrociired a patent for the above one
hundred and forty-four and one-half acre.s of land.
At his decease he left a son, Jacob, and daughters,
Barbara, wdio married Frederick Adams; Catharine,
married George Stober; Elizabeth, married Henry
Miland; and Susanna, married George Sclierb.
Jacob Householder, son of Lawrence, died in 1814,
leaving no sons. George Stober died in 1828, leaving
two sons, Jacob aud John. Jacob married a Miss
Zartman, and had one son, Ellas, who married a Miss
Zeigler, and had one son, J. A. Stober, Esq., now re-
siding in the village of Schoencck, West Cocalico
township.
Brubaker FamUij.—ln 1757, Abraham Brubaker,
Sr., purchased of .Martin Weigbtinan one hundre.l
and se-venty-lwo and oMc-«|Uarter acres of land in
what is now Clay township, and in 1787 sold the
same to Martin Nissly, and in 1788 purchased of
John Carpenter, at Indiantown, Clay township, three
hundred and sixty-nine acres of land, and at his de-
cease he left five sons, —
L Abraham, wh-
Abraham, Jacob, ai
II. John, who lu
Abraham.
III. Daniel, who
IV. Christian, w
John.
V. Jacob, w
From this :
a
'
d f
ter.
ve
sons.
D
ivid, .
tl
ree
sor
s. Job
",
Jacob
i
1
two
ad
z
s, Dan
el
AI
and .T(
rahan
d, John,
ind
had two sons, Jacob and John,
ill beginning the large Brubaker
family in this part of the county sprang.
The Milkr /'KmiVy.— Christopher Miller, one of the
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
early settlers of what is now Clay township, was born
in 1744; and located here on a large tract of land,
where he died in I8I0, leaving four sons, — Johannus,
Jacob, George, and Christopher. Johannus died in
1844, leaving three children,— Samuel, John, and
Elizabeth. Elizabeth married John Garret. A daugh-
ter of Jacob Miller married Dr. Samuel lUig. George
Miller had three children, — Peter, Susanna (who mar-
ried Samuel Ressler), and Catharine (who married
Jacob Ranck).
Christopher, son of Christopher, was the father of
ten children, viz. : David, Henry, William, Christo-
pher, Isaac, Leah, Sally, Polly, Nancy, and Lydia.
Samuel, son of Johannu.? Miller, died in 18S1, leav-
ing four children, viz. : Harriet, married Urias Car-
penter; Margaret, married Hiram Frv ; John, and
Curtis Miller. The three last named >till live in Clay
township.
The Weachter Family. — George Weachter was one
of the ])ioneers of what is now Clay township,
coming from Durlach, in Germany. He married
Catharine Weidman, and was the fother of five chil-
dren, viz. : Frederick (born in 1763), John, George,
Elizabeth (married Peter Elser), Catharine (married
Leonard Illig).
John Weachter was born in 17G;
children, — John, George, Lydia (marrieil
son of Henry Miller), Margaret (marrii-d Sai
of Isaac Miller), and Hannah (married San
ler, a blacksmith by trade).
George Weachter, sou of John, was born
and had two sons, Jacob and George, and four daugh-
ters, viz. : Hannah, married Joseph Weidman ; Lydia,
married Peter Weidman; Catharine, married David
Gring; and Sarah, who married Peter Zartman.
George now owns the old mansion and farm jircjperty
formerly owned by his father, great-grandson nl' tlie |
pioneer George.
Weidman Family (spelled and pronounced Weii/hl- 1
man, also Weitman). — Martin Weidman patented in I
1745 three hundred and eighty-seven and one-half
acres of land that had been surveyed in 1733 to Fo-
ladine Miller. Weidman sold, in 1757, one hundred
and seventy-two and one-quarter acres of said tract
and had five
1792,
to Abraham Brubaker, who in 1787 :
Martin Nissly, and it is now (1833)
Samuel Nissly. The buildings on
tract were erected in 1755, and on I
under the house, still standing, is tl
scription, cut in capital letters:
Id the same to
he projjerty of
lis last-named
.1755.
In 17GC, Martin Weidman sold two hundred and
fourteen and one-half acres of land to his son, Jacob
Weidman, who died in 1804. His sons were George,
John, Jacob, Christopher, Samuel, and Peter. His
daughters were Catharine, married Baltzer Lees;
Elizabeth, married George Yundt; Susauua, married
Johannus Elser. At present there are living Joel,
son of George Weidman ; George, son of John ; Peter
and Henry, sons of Samuel; David, Joseph, Peter,
and Emanuel, sons of Peter; John Y. ; two great-
grandsons of Jacob, Martin L. and Ward Weidman.
Roiiiiij Family. — Henry Romig, Sr., came to Clay
township in 1820, and died in 1843. He had one son,
Henry, now over eighty years of age, who has a soa
Jacob, whose two sons, \Villiam and Jacob, are resi-
dents of this townshij).
Laher Family.— Martin Laber was born in 1738,
and finally located in what is now Clay township,
and died here in 1823. He had a son George, who
died in Clay in 1847. His two sons were George and
Jonas. Jonas inherited the old homestead and a large
tract of land. His two children are Sarah and Mar-
garet.
Jlfiit: Fiiinily.— In 1735, Ulricli lientz warranted a
tract of ninety-eight acres of land, for which he re-
ceived a patent in 1748. In 1753 two hundred and
thirteen and three-tjuarter acres was warranted to
Christian Eby, and in 176C the same was patented
to Illrich Bentz, making a total of three hundred and
eleven and three-quarter acres, and in 1770 he sold
to his son. Christian Bentz, two hundred and twenty-
eight acres of the above tract. Christian died in
1790, when his oldest sorj, Jacob, became owner of a
part Ihnenl, and Lndwig Bentz the balance of said
tract. The >,>us ol Jacob l!,_-ntz wre Christian,
Gc.rge, an.l Martin. George i, .^till living.
Pioneer Weddings.— In the early history of this
township, bdnrc the era of fashionable ministers and
weddings, the happy pair that had become desirous of
being made one would agree U|)on the time, as is usual
in ^ucll cases, and the place would be under the
branches of a large tree at some point along the
principal road. The minister would be notified of
the time and place, and thus, in the open air, with
none but the innocent little birds for witnesses, Fritz
and Katrina, with the benediction of " what God
hath joined together let no man put asunder," would
be made hapjiy— for a time at least.
Pioneer Funerals.— Previous to 1825 there were no
coaches, carriages, buggies, or spring-wagons owiieil
in what is now Clay township. Funerals were at-
tended on foot, horseback, and in the old Conestogu
wagon. There being no such thing as a fashionable
hearse, th,e remains of the deceased was placed in one
of the old Concstogas, covered with white cloth
stretched over the high hows, and drawn by four
horses, the driver riding the near wheel-horse, as ut
the present day. After jjlacing the remains in the
Conestoga, all the friends that could would find seats
in the'wagon, and thus be conveyed to the burial-
])lacc. On all such occasions wine and cake were
served to all present before leaving the house for the
grave.
Pioneer Mills, Taverns, Stores, etc.— A frame
grist-mill was built in pioneer days on Middle Creek
CLAY TOWNSHIP
ros
by Peter Wiland. It stood ;i sliort distance below
the present mill, and when Jacob Erb became the
owner in 1787 he built the present two-story stone
mill building, when the old mill building was con-
verted into a school-house. Upon tlir ik:ith ol' Jacob
Erb, his son Isaac became the ownur of the mill
I)roperty, and in 1820 sold the same to his brother,
John Erb, who carried on the milling business until
1840, when he sold to his son Iliram, who in 18-11
built the saw-mill adjoining the grist-mill, and in
1871 S(dd the mill property to Michael S. Eberly,
who in 1875 added one story to the grist-mill, and is
at present carrying on the milling business.
John Erb died in 18(i2, leaving lour children, —
Hiram, John B., Esq., of Lititz, Henry B., and Pris-
cilla, who married George W. Steinniitz. Upon the
decease of his father, Hiram became owner of the
brick mansion, in which he has ke|)t a store since
Near the old grist-mill was built a tavern-house by
Eberly in 1707, at which place a tavern has been
kept continuously to the present time, and known as
the " Red Lion." The property was owned by Jacob
Erb, and by his son John. The tavern property has
been owned and kept as such since 18GS by George
W. Steinmitz.
The Weidman grist- and saw-mill on Middle Creek
was built in 1755 by Christopher Wei.lmaii, who
owned and operated the mill till 1811, when the prop-
erty was purchased by Michael Shepler. He removed
the saw-mill and built a fulling-mill on the site, which
he operated until 1833, when the property was [lur-
chased by James and Jesse Pennabecker, who re-
moved the fulling-mill and erected a ritle-barrel man-
ufactory, and in 18G1 Jesse Pennabacker rebuilt the
grist-mill, making it a three-story building, and is in
operation at the present tinjc.
The Levi Dreisch frame saw-mill and bending-
works, located on Middle Creek, was built in 187-i,
destroyed by fire in 1879, and rebuilt in 1880.
The Elser saw- and hemp-rolliii--„iill, located on
Middle Creek, was built by the early settles, ..n a
tractof one hundred and four acres ol land warranted
Jan. 3, 1738, to Michael Kileh. Kit.-I] n..t comply-
ing with the terms of the warrant, the l.ind was sur-
veyed iMarch 13, 1749, for Martin W.'idiuan, anti
April 2G, 1750, a patent of the same was granted
Michael Shank, who, on April 30, 175it, conveyed the
same to Henry Mock, who subsequently conveyed to
Peter Elser, who came troni Germany. Mr. Elser held
the property during his life. He left four sons, George,
Peter,'Johu, and Adam. After his death his executors,
on Aug. 22, 1788, conveyed his property to his two sons,
George and Peter Elser, and on Jan. 10, 1789, George
conveyed his undivided part to his brother Peter,
who married a IMi.ss Weachter, and carried on the
saw- and hemp-mill until he died, in 1845, at the age
of seventy-nine years. His son, Samuel ICIser, then
became the owner, and carried on the business until
his decease in 1879, and after his death his son, John
0., became the owner of the property and is at
present carrying on the business.
Lin(*oln Mill is a three-story stone grist-mill, lo-
cated oji Middle Creek, and was built in 1842 by
Jacob Wissler. The pioneer at this place ^vas John
Jacob Grail", who settled on two hundred and two
, acres of land by survey of Oct. 30, 1733. From him
[ the property passed to Andrew Wissler, and from
Andrew to Jacob Wissler, and from him to Christian
Wissler, who died in 1878, when his son, Benjamin
Wissler, became the owner, and is still conducting
the milling business.
Eberly's mill is of stone, located on Middle Creek,
and was built in 1774, on a tract of one hundred and
I fifty acres of land warranted Jan. 24, 1737, and pat-
I ented April 28, 1757, to Ulrich Stealy, and sold the
j same year to Jacob Eberly, who, on Aug. 27, 170G,
i obtained a patent for thirty-one acres and forty-three
I perches of land on Middle Creek, and in 1784 sold
the premises to Plenry Eberly. Henry Eberly had
five sons, — Jacob, Samuel, Henry, Peter, David. In
1836, Henry Eberly, Jr., became the owner of the
grist-null, and in 1878 conveyed the mill property to
' his two dauglilers, Mrs. Jolin B. Wissler and Mrs.
Israel W. Groh.
Henry Eberly, Sr., had a brother, Jacob, who had
five sons, — Joseph, David, Samuel, Jacob, and John.
The .sons of Joseph Eberly are Joseph, Elias H.,
' Levi, John, and Isaac.
The sons of David are Jacob, Samuel, John, and
David.
The sons of Jacob are Henry and Isaac.
The sons of John are Benjamin and John Eberly.
The Snyder Mill.— The three-story stone grist-
mill located on Hammer Creek was. built in 1813 by
Michael Kline. His father, Michael Kline, came
fr<un Germany, and on Feb. 15, J 748, took out a war-
rant for one humlied and thirty-seven acres of land
on Hammer Cieek, and on Jan. 2G, 1749, he obtained
a |.atcnt lor the ^ame. He had fourteen children.
His Mins uere Michael, Nicholas, George, Daniel,
•laioh, and Leonard. Hi- daughters were Gertrude,
iiiarned llartman .Meiiel; i-'aiiny, married Michael
(>uij;-cll; ('atharine. married (JeorgeWilt; Magda-
h-nc, uiarried Adam Dui-cli; Margaret, married
(icorge ilouuian; Dorothea, njarrieil J(din Bowman;
liarbara, m^irricd George (ieigcr; Su.anna, married
John Brown.
In 1780, Nicholas, his second son, became possessed
! of the origiiuil property, and in 1800 sold the same
' to his brother, Michael Klein, who built the mill in
: 1813. and died iti 1S42.
This iMichael Kl.in had also fourteen cliildren.
i George, Michael, Jacob, John, Samuel, Henry,
I Daniel, William, David, and Joseph were the sons.
] The daughters were Julia, married to Ephraim Car-
Mc
atharine, married to Andrew Welborn ;
riud to John Seibert; I'^lizabetli, married
704
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
to Henrj' Suimny ; ami all Coiutuon liveil iinii:
until the yuiliigC'St child w:is iwu yens iit aui-. < ;
John, Henry, Daniel, Wiliiani.'un.l ,lu,ci.h a
farms a.lj<,irrnit? each other, aloii- near Ih
Creek-. .laeiil. Uejit a tavern at the turn|.ik.-
briek house now (nvned hy Kev. John K.
Jliehael was appointed a justice of tlie peace ii
and kept slcjrc in the iVanie house- next to the |
residence of San. lie! Ni.s>ly, Kscp In lS4!i, ,
became the owner ol' the mill ]>roperty, and in ISi;'.)
sold it to Geortre Flory, who built the saw-mill ad-
joining, and in 1870 sold the property to A. B. Snyder,
the present owner,
Indiantown grist- and saw-mills were l.nilt on In-
dian River, in ISlili, hy Isaac, son of .l.din Krh, who
sold the property in 1832 to Jacob Jlershberger. Mr.
Hcrshberger made some additions to the mill, and
subsequently sold to John Ohejlin. The ne.xt owner
was Samuel Millirjger, and alter his dceca-c in ISMI
William Stober became the owner. In l.ssii he put
in steam-power and otherwi-e improved the nulls,
and is the present owner.
Martin Weidi.ian kept a store in the house now
owned by M. L. Weidmaji from 18:33 until 185;', when
his son,"S. l\ A. Weidman, ke[it the old store until
1875, when lie died.
A tavern was kept at the turnpike in the house
now owned by Zaeharias Furry lor tiearly or quite
thirty-three years. The landlords were Henry Stut-
enroth, George KIser, and lastly by John Elser in
1837. The tavern now ke[,t hy H. K. Wealand was
first occupied as a liotel in 18iJU.
Land-Owners in 1828.— The land-owners of what
is now Clay township, and located on the south side
of the l>(jwningtown, lOjdirata and Harrisburg turn-
pike, in 11S28, were:
ried :
D.ivl.l Fliu.t,;.
S.b.,»lia,. Ouukley.
i."e,
Jiicob llillly.
had
Jul.n llilisln.ian.
mer
Jifcob II>.ck,T.
the
Jao.,1, IIu.-=l.i-.i;el,iHille..
0.,.,w;l|li;;,|,>„„.„.
G™,t;>.- I.ubcT.
MS,
Sai.i.H-l Hilk-r, bhicliBmitl,
^
.Tulii. sun.T.
C.Mirud Mentz.r.
eph
G.-i.rgu 1111.1 Jucub Mbntzer
Justices of the Peace.— The territory now em-
justices of the peace:
Peter Martin, Sr., was appointed a justice of the
peace Dec. 22, 1791, by Governor Tl.'omas Milllin,
" tor so long as he behaves himself well." He held
the ollicc until 1834, in the house uow owned by John
V. Weidman, where he died in 1841, aged eiiihtv-fuur
! Michael Kline wah
' about the year 1818.
Christopher Hentz
j Samuel Eberly wa
And
Shi
ed in 1830.
n 1827 by Governor
he behaves himself
d in 1833.
)I)ointed in 1835 by Gov-
ivas the last appointment
to the adoption of the
Siiiuucl .A|.|.c-I.
Henry Ai.i.l-1.
lieiijiiniiii liwilint'.
IVter uiid Ahdiun
Bollinger.
Jaculi llultitiger.
Pelcr liolliiigor.
Mitli
Oil the north side of the turnpike were the foil
ing inhabitants:
Uujilel RnibaUtT SiUiiuel Kl.eily, Ks.|.
U>.v. Abn.bi.n, 111 ubaliei IK-iiiy Ebt-ily, Sr., uiillei
Albright U,-ysBr.
Duiilel Ili»«ler.
George Doiuinyor.
Siii.iiiel Kb.ily.
JuUL-ph Eboily.
Jidin Elser was api
Peter Martin, Jr., v
ernor George Wolf,
in this towushi|) pre
Constitution of 1838.
The elections by the people have been as follows:
1840, Peter Martin, Jr., and Christian Benlz; 1845,
I'eter Martin, Jr., and John B. Erh; 1850, John B.
Erb and Samuel Nissly ; 1855-75, Samuel Nkssly and
Samuel Eberly; 1880, Samuel Nissly and Henry H.
Bingaman.
Indiantown Mennonite Meeting-House was built
in 181'J on eighty ].erchcs of land donated by Abra-
ham Brubaeher. The building committee were Dan-
iel Brubacher, John Wenger, and John Bell. The
pastors at that time were Abraham Brubacher, John
Hess, and Christian Risser. Christian Risser died in
182G, wdien Christian Bomberger succeeded him, and
moved out of the district in 1848, when another
Christian Bomberger succeeded him. John lltas
died in 1830, when Benjamin Eby succeeded him.
Benjamin Eby moved out of the district in 18G6,
when John R. Hess succeeded him. Abraham Bru-
bacher died in 1851, when John Ri.sser succeeded
him, and he died in 1873. Christian S. Risser suc-
ceeded .liim in 1874. Present pastors are Christian
Bomberger, John R. Ile.ss, and Christian S. Risser.
Meetings are held every four weeks. Previous to the
year 1819 meetings were held every eight weeks in
inivato houses, — at Daniel Brubaker's (now Isaac
Brubaker's) at Indian Run, and at Jacob Wissler's
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
and Jacob Hacknian's at Middle Creek, iu Clay [
to\vnslii|). i
United Brethren Meeting-House, near Newtown, !
known as •' Paradise Chiireh," was built by tlie United
Brethren in 1.S47. Building committee and trustees,
Jesse Paninibecker, Joseph Snyder, and Gideon Weid-
man. Pastor at tliat time, Simon Nolt; afterwards
Siegrist Landis, Kaull'man Ciders, and others. Ite-
ligioiis meetings are held every two weeks. Present
trustees, John H. Miller, Jacob Hacknian.and David
Eberly. Free school was kept in the basement until
1880, when a new scbo(il-house was built in Newtown
by the township. Sclwxd-teachers, Charles .Vnstead,
Samuel Zentniver, P. P. Ilibslmian, William Enck,
and David S. Enck.
Sandstone Meeting-House, known as Ileinecke's,
was built by subscripticin on land purcliased from
Jacob Frantz, in about the year ISOO. Jlembers from
the United Brethren for some reason took an interest
in the same, and called themselves in German •' Al-
gemeine Bruiler." The church was built for all re-
ligious denonuMations who contributed to build the
same, with one exception. Elias Wolf, Benjamin
Heinecke, and Levi Enck were trustees and building
couimittce. The German Baptists hold meetings iu
this churdi every twelve weeks. Previous to about
1835 the German Baptists held their meetings in pri-
vate houses. Meetings were held every twelve weeks
at the house of Rev. Jacob Pfaulz, also at Peter Bol-
linger's and Jacob Bollinger's, then residing along
Middle Creek.
Wood Corner School-House was originally built
in 1813, by Jacob Hentz, I'eter Bentz, 8r., Peter Bol-
linger, and Peter Martin, on tlie road leading frojn
the turnpike to Halloc-ker's mill, on land owned by
Jacob Bentz, for which be paid £32 towards the build-
ing of the school-bous,-, P.ter Bentz £2.5, Peter Bol-
linger £18, Peter Martin £17, total £'J2, or, in our
currency, $240.33. Jacob Bentz, by deed dated Feb.
15, 1815, conveyed the ground on which tiie school-
house stood to Peter Bentz, Sr., one-fourth part
thereof, to Peter Bollinger one-eighth part, and to
Peter Martin one-eighth jiart thereof, for the usa of a
«cliool-house and mecti[ig-buuse for all Christian de-
nominatious, and fur mu olh(M- u^e or purpose whatso-
ever.
After the passage of the free-school system act by the
Slate Legislature and its adoption by the peojde, the
old school-house and grounds were not of sufKcient
capacity to accommodate the pupils in the district,
and the original owners having deceased, upon peti-
tion an act of Assembly was pa.ssed and approved
March 21), 1859, authorizing Peter Martin, the younger,
Martin Weidman, and Elias Stober, trustees of said
district and of the school property, to sell the same,
and apply the proceeds of such sale in improving tlie
.site on which a new school-hoHse had been erected by
the township on the opposite side of the highw.iy
from the old one. The new school bouse was built
45
in 1858, on sixty perches of land purchased from
Christian Bentz. The school directors were Jonathan
Kratz, Elias Enck, John Lowry, Jacob Bollinger,
Samuel Elser, and Elias Wcdf
Miller School-House was built by the township,
on forty ferches oMaii.l purchased from Peter Miller,
in 1849. School directors, Samuel Shcnk, Christian
Risser, Martin Wcidmau, lliram Erb, John Keller,
and Gabriel Bacr.
Swamp School-House was built by the township,
on forty |)erchcs of land purchased from Robert and
George Dawson Coleman, in 1850. School directors
the same as in 184!).
Fairview School-House was built by the town-
ship, on forty perches of land purchased from J(jna-
than Kraatz, in 1855. School directors, Martin Bentz,
Peter Martin, Elias Stober, Benjamin Bollinger, Jacob
Eichelberger, and J(.hn Keller.
Fetter School-House was built by the township,
on sixty perches ol' land purchased from George Fet-
ter, in 181)0. School <lirectors, John Lowry, Samuel
Elser, Peter Fidler, Elias ^\'olf, Samuel Eberly, and
Jacob S. PLieker.
Sunnyside School-House was built by the town-
ship, on eiglity perclies of land purchased from John
H. Brubaker, in ISlJS. School directors, John H.
Miller, Abraham B. Snyder, Jacob Romig, Jacob
Roehrer, Jacob B. Wissler, and Samuel Burk-
liolder.
Newtown School-House was built by the town-
shij), on forty perclies of laud purchased from John
n. Miller, in 1880. School directors, William K.
Furlow, Samuel S. Wolf, Andrew Weidman, Hiram
Bollinger, Jacob S. Hacker, and Jacob Hackman,
School directors in 1883, William K. Furlow, Samuel
S. Wolf, Andrew Weidman, Hiram Bollinger, Jacob
S. Hacker, and Hiram L. Erb.
Durlach School-House «as erected on seventy-
five perches of lami which George Illig and wife, by
deed dated May fo, a.d. 1800, conveyed to John Erb
and Jacob Eberly, in trust for the Mennonite Society,
and to Christopher Miller and Jacob Wcidmau, Jr.,
in trust for the Lutheran Society, for the use of a
it-n
un kc
Present trustees, Jacob B. Hackman, Jacob S. Bru-
baker, Jacob R<,mig, and David Miller.
Durlach Post-Office was established in 1840 at the
house then oecu|iicd by John Elser, on the turnpike
from Downingtown to Harrisburg, with Harrison
Elser as |iostmastcr. The mail was delivered at this
office three times a week by the old "mail carrier,"
who was proprietor of a two-horse coach, with which
he perlornied the wonderful task of transporting a
large jjortion of the passenger traffic between the two
lioints above named. When the Reading and Co-
imliia '
to
Brickervi
Dur
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
times per week. Tlie oflice is now Icept in the store
of H. S. Eberly, wlio is iilso the jireseiit postmaster.
Clay Post-dffice was established in 1873 at the
house ofGeortje W. Steiiinietz, on the Hinipike, witli
Emanuel Wcidman as postmaster, who held the office
until 1870, when Hiram E. Steiiiiiietz, the present
postmaster, was appointed, and receives the mail six
times per week IVom I'^phrata. |
Clay Lodge, No. 915, I. 0. of 0. F., was instituted
in 1875, with the lolluwijig-named charter members:
Samuel M. Jacoby, Martin Romig, J. Y. Kline, M.D.,
Henry Mellinger, Peter 0. Elser, Solomon Eberly,
AVilliam Romig, P. G., Fraidclin Staid, John M.
Jacoby, and J. H. Roher. Tlie regular meetings of
this lodge are held on Saturday evening of each week
in "Kline Hall," built in 1874 by Dr. J. Y. Kline.
The otHcers in July, 1883, were: P. li. Kofrotli, N. G. ;
H. 13. Keller, Esq., V. G. ; William Romig, Sec; J.
G. Keener, Asst. Sec. ; J. 0. Elser, Treas.
KlOGRArillCVL SKETCHES.
IlIli.^M KUH.
The Erb family is one of the old-stock families of
Lancaster County. Jacob, the great-grandfather of
the subject of this sketch, came witli his father from
Switzerland in the year 1728, wdien four years of age,
and resided at :in early day near Hammer Creek, in
"Warwick tcjwnsliip. .\bout the year 1782 he removed
to what is now Clay village, in Clay township, where
he i)urchaseil five or si.\ hundred acres of land, in-
clu<ling the mill privileges at that point, and made a
permanent settlement. He operated the mill at Clay,
and another one a little higher up, on Jliddle Creek,
besides engaging in the arduous duties of pioneer agri-
culture. In religious ad'airs he belonged to tiie IMen-
nonite persuasion until the breaking out of the Revo-
lutionary war; but at that time feeling that the non-
resistant principles of the society were <letrimental to
the preservation of the essential liberties of tiie peo-
ple, he withdrew from the connection and warmly suj)-
ported the struggle for national independence. After
the close of the war he represented his district in the
Legislature of the State, lie was jiossesscd of adeep,
reflective mind, good JnilLMiient, and a jirogressive
spirit. He died in 1810, :a the advanced age of
eighty-three years. His wife was a .Miss Johns, who
bore him two sons and several daughters. The names
of the former were John and Christian. The latter
occupied the old family seat in Warwick during his
life-time, and his descendants are still to be found in
that locality. John was the grandfather of the subject
of this paper. At the age of si.xteen he entered the
service of his country, and served for three years as a
teamster during llie.]{ev(dutionary war. He sul.-,--
quently resided at ('lay, where lieoperalc<l both ol llie
mills owned by his father and cultivated the homestead
fiirm. He was a prominent and influential man, and
was tiie founder of tlie school at Clay (then Durlach
Post-yffice), andaetivein religious affairs. Hemarrieil
Judith Hull, and liad a large family of children, viz.:
Jacob, J(?ljn, David, Isaac, Samuel, Joseph, .Alolly
(who married Abraham Erb and emigrated to Can-
ada), Elizabeth (who became the wife of Michael
Shepler), Nancy (who married Abraham Rear), and
Catharine (who became the wife of Joseph Weidman).
John Erb, father of our subject, born Nov. 3, 178G,
also passed his life at Clay, where he engaged in farm-
ing, milling, and in keeping a public-house. He was
a i)rominent member of the Old-Line Whig party,
and during the Anti-JIasonie excitement served as •
one of the commissioners of Lancaster County. lie
married Barbara Bergelbach, and his children were
Hiram, John B., Henry B. (deceased), and Priscilla
Cecilia (deceased, wife of George W. Steinmetz, a
merchant at Clay). He died in 1SG2, in the seventy-
sixth year of his age.
Hiram, eldest son of John Erb, was born at the
up|)er mill privilege, in Clay, on April 11, 1810. He
enjoyed only a common-school educatiim, and at the
age of nineteen embarked in the milling business, at
the old family site established by his great-grand-
father, and continued in that vocation for the long
period of forty years. He also engaged in farming
pursuits on a portion of the original family tract, of
wdiicli he now owns one hundred and fifty acres, at
Clay. In the year 18G9 he formed a partnership with
liis son, Hiram L. Erb, and under the name and style
of Hiram Erb & Son, established a general store at
Richland, Lebanon Co. In the spring of 1875 the
business was removed to Clay, where the firm have
since continued to trade. Jlr. Erb was postmaster at
Clay (then Durlach) for four years, having been ap-
pointed by President Taylor. He was originally an
ardent Republican, an intimate acquaintance of Hon.
Thaddeus Stevens, and one of the founders of the
Republican party of his section. In 1872, out of nil-
miration for the life and character of Horace Greeley,
he supported the Democratic nominees for the Presi-
dency, and has since acted independently in politics.
He served as a school director at the time free
schools were made geiier;il, lur three Years, and Ikw
always lent a cheerful sujiport to the various evan-
gelical and jirogressive movements of his time. He
married on Jlay 16, 1839, Catharine Lehn, widow of
John S. Bear. Hiram L. Erb, the sole i.ssue of the
union, was born on Nov. 24., 1840. He was raised in
milling and farming, but in consequence of failing
health entered the mercantile business with his father
in 18(19, and has since remained a member of (he liriii
of Hiram Erb & S,.n. His polil,i,-al e:ireer has been
similar to that of his father. He represents his dis-
trict in the Democratic County Committee at the
lirescnt time, and is also a member of the schoul
board of his townshii). He enjoys an excellent repn-
^^^^/^c Z?/^^
s««SJn'
\^
\
■^^%~
J^ S ^ec^4^,
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
707
tfttion in his locality. IK
Salinda, daughter of Willi
of Lebanon County, ami li
Laura and Salinda Erb.
■:XKY .S.
rried
N.
V. 24, 1803,
md I
.VK-\
A. Becker,
.lid
cii,— JLsses
;abc-tli
l.dlatli
iiiU-
-niacliine, and in
arriod Catharine,
Wike, of Lebanon
of a merchant at
a prominent man
;hout hi= life, and
ener transacted a
■tiii!,' freL|Ucntly as
friends, and man-
CKLY
Henry S. Eberly was born in Kl
(now Clay), on Auj;. C, ISaO. lljsg,
Eberly, settled in the neighbcjrhuud of wl
Durlach at an early day, where he engage
ing, farming, ojierating a card'
distilling. Samuel, his father
daughterof John A.aiidCathar
County, and pursued the bush)
Durlach for many years. He v
in the township and county tin
as a justice of the peace and si
large amount of public iiusines.-
the adviser and counselor of 1
aging a great many estates.
Henry S. Eberly received his earlier education at
the district schools of his neighborhood, subsequently
attending the acadcjny at Lititz. He began his active
business life in 1846 and 1847, during which time he
clerked in the store of Hays & Long, at Mount Joy.
Li 1818 he entered his father's store at Durlach,
where he remained uniil .Vpiil, ISilii, at which time
he began trade on hi> own aurount on the same site,
where he has since continued to do business. Be-
sides his mercantile pursuits he is engaged in farm-
ing and in raising and buying tobacco. Altlunigh a
stanch Republican in jiolilics, and one of the inllu-
enlial leaders of his party, he has seldom aspired to
public oflice. The only time when he has permit-
ted his name to come before the people was in
1875, wdien he was elected by a large majority treas-
urer of Lancaster County, filling the ollice in an in-
telligent and capable manner
served as a delegate to the Cincinnati
which nominated Hayes ami Wheeler
dency and Vice-Presidency. Hewa, ]
Durlach from March, KSiil, nnlil his
county treasurer. In many rcsptcls he
e y.
He
his 1
the
ecutor, guardian, ami a.lmiiiistralor in many ca
and being held in general respect and esteem for
affability of manner and the iiitegrity and uprighti
of his character. He was one of the founders of
Ephrata National JJank, and has since been a m^
ber of the board of directors of that institution.
is also one of the directors of the Northern Mul
Fire Li.suranue Company, of Lancaster County,
cated at Ephrata, and a <lirector of ttie Lanca
County JIail Insurance Ci-mpany, at Lititz.
married Salinda, daughter of Judge llibshman
Lebanon County, for many years connected willi
Treasury Department, at Washington, and has
children living, viz., Lily P. and Albert H. Eber
liKN.TAMIN WLSSLER.
The great-great-grandfather of the subject of this
sketch embarked from Germany for Philadelphia with
his wife about the year 1720, but on the voyage over
was impressed into the naval service by a vessel of
war, together with the <Jther able-bodied men on the
ship. His wife proceeded on her journey to Phila-
delphia, and after his teini of service expired he fol-
lowed her to that city, when he accidentally found
1 her engaged in carrying two pails of milk for a
farmer in Germantown. He also took service with a
farmer in the same locality, and they passed the re-
mainder of their lives together. Their son, Andrew
Wissler', letl by that peculiar fate which so ofteu
directs the aims and purposes of man, removed to
Lancaster Cminty, Pa., where he entered the employ
of Jacob Grolf, an extensive farmer, in what is now
Clay township, and in 1707 married the only daugh-
ter of his employer, through whom he became the
owner of the old Grotf homestead, which was taken
up in 1724 by John Jacob Grotf, his wife's grand-
father. The old homestead, although divided into
four farms by Jacob Wissler (son of Andrew), has
been in the continuous ])ossession of the family since
that early period, and is now owned by Levi H.
Wi.ssler.
Andrew AVissler' liad two s(ms, John and Jacob\
of whom the former died unmarried. Jacob' mar-
ried Anna, daughter of Christian Eby, in the year
ISUO, and had a family often children, viz., Andrew-,
who removed to JMichigan where he died; Jacob-;
Christian ; Magdalena, who married Jacob Landes,
of Ephrata township; Ezra, the only one surviving,
living at BrunnerviUe; John ; Catharine; Mary, who
married Levi Erb, of Warwick; Levi; and Samuel.
Jacob Wissler' was a firm and energetic man, and
is known to have made three separate journeys to
Can'ada during his life-time on horseback. Although
a Mennonite, he-did not wholly ignore the law of
self-defense, and the cane is still in the possession of
the subject of this sketch, with which he defended
himself against the attack of an Imlian upon one of
Christian \Vissler, father of Benjamin, was born
on Jan. 14, 1S0.3. He occupied a portion of the old
Grolf homestead, some sixty-four acres, at what is
now Wissler's Mill, in Clay township, whicii he built
in 1843. He engaged in farming until the erectiou
of the null, after which date he devoted his time
principally to milling until his death on Nov. 11,
1878^ He married, Oct. 25, 1831, Anna, daughter of
Rev. Jacob Hostetler, a Mennonite preacher, and had
a family of four children, viz., Elizabeth, who mar-
ried Sailiuel B. Myers, and removed to Virginia,
wdiere she now lives, having married Jacob Lantz
for her second husband, after the death of Jlr. Myers;
Benjamin; Jacob, ^^Uo resided in xXorth Carolina,
and is engaged in the iron business; and Mary A.,
! wife of Henry Hershey, of Harrisburg, Pa.
TOS
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Benjamin Wissler was born at the old lionieste;i(l on
Oct. 5, 1838. He enjoyed only a common school edu-
cation, and in early life learned the trade of a miller
with his father. In 1802 he enlisted for nine m.milis
in the United States army for the sii]iiire-Mun nl' the
llebellion, and was elected second lienleiumt of Co.
F, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth llej^iment of
Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving in the lield for the
full term of his enlistment. In March, 1804, he
married Susanna, daughter of S.'unuel and Eliza
(Wise) Fry, of Millport, Pa., and in April of the
same year entered ujion the milling business on his
own account, in which he has since continued to
engage. In 1870 he united with the late S. P. A.
Weidman, of Clay township, in the manufacture of
millstones, and continued to do business as Weidman
& Wissler until the deatii of the former, in 1875. He
subsequently admitted the late Henry B. Erb into
partnership with him, and continued the business
under the firm-name of Wissler & Erb, until the de-
mise of the latter in 1877, -^ince which time he has
successfully luir.-ued tlie l)ii>ineso alone. In 1881 he
became associated with C. W.Myers, of Lincoln, Pa.,
and under the name and style of Myers & Wissler
engaged in the manufacture of cigars, purchasing
and packing their own leaf. This business connec-
tion still continues. Mr. Wissler has led an active
and successful business life, and is held in general
respect in his native county. He has always felt a
deep interest in politics, and acted in strict accord
with the principles and policy of the Republican
party. Upon two occasions he permitted his name
to be oflered for nomination for the office of county
register, but was defeated each time by a small ma-
jority, largely because he firmly refused to pledge
himself to carry out any defined line of appointments,
or to enter upon his oliice with any entangling alli-
ances. He has ever felt a w.irm interest in all move-
ments of a progrr— ive and elevating character, and is
recognized as one u\' tlic eiilrrprising citizens of lii>
townsliip. He has thixe aiildren,— viz , Mi-s Klla
E., ('hri>lian Frv, and ^^;^^uel Lincoln Wi^-ler.
SIMON P. A. WEIBMAN.
The ancestry of the Weidman family, <jf Lancaster
County, can be traced back to the year 17.'53, at which
time Jlartin Weidman received a patent from Wil-
liam Penn and his associates for three hundred and
eighty-five acres of land situate in what is now Clay
township.. The date of the conveyance is Oct. 0,
1733, and the consideration named therein fifty-nine
pounds, nineteen ^hillings, and .sixpence. This was
the common ancestor of the family in this country.
He emigrated from Durlacli, Germany, and was one uf
the pioneers of Lancaster County. He had two son^,
Christopher and Jacob, and a daughter, wlio manied
John Weachter. The former settled at New IIol-
hiiiil, Lanca>ter Co., and was the ancestor of the
Weidmans of that section. Jacob resided wliere
,Iacol» S. Brubaker now lives, in Clay lownslnp. lie
married Barbara Hover, .and liad ten children, viz.,
(leorge, Christoplier, .Marliii, John, Jacob', Samuel,
Peter, Catharine (wlio married a Lies), Lizzie (who
became the wife of George Yundt), Susanna (wlio
married John Elser, of Harrisburg), and Barbara
(who married a Mr. Zeigler).
' Jacob- Weidman, son of Jacob', was the grand-
; father of the subject of this sketch. He also had a
family of ten children, namely, William, Catharine
(who married John Mentzer), Elizabeth ( wdio nmr-
ried John Shenk), Susanna (wdio married Henry
Romig), Jacob (who died, leaving two children),
Sally, who married Jlr. Fisher). Martin, Polly (who
became Jlrs. Nye), George, and Fanny (who married
a Ilocker).
I JIartin Weidman, father of our subject, engaged in
mercantile |)Ursuits during the greater portion of his
life, first at Earlvilie for two years, and subseciuently
at West Lincoln, Clay township, where he was in
trade for many years. He married Lydii; Yundt,
I and had a fanuly of six children, viz., Jacob Jlartin,
I Simon P. A., John Y., .Sarah (who married .Martin
i Steinmetz, of Ephrata townshij)), Lydia (who became
I the wife of John B. Eshleinan, of Minkletown), and
; Susan E., wife of Rev. Stephen Seliweitzer, of Lin-
coln, Pa.
Simon P. A. Weidman, to wliom this paper is
I dedicated, was born at the family seat in Clay town-
I ship on Oct. 2-1, 1833. His earlier education wa^ de-
rived at the common schools of the township, and his
final studies were i)ursued at the Lititz Academy.
For a number of years he a~-istiil- lii> father in the
store at West Lincoln, and al.out IS.'.T he succeeded
! to thebusiiie<s. He remained in active and success-
ful tra.lr at West.Lincoln until bis demi.xe, on April
l:;, 1S7.3. He conlined him-elf ilo-ely to liis busi-
nes-~, and wa- nevrr an a-|.iiant after public iio>iti()n.
For several yr:ir- lo- »as a-.ociated witli Benjamin
Wl^^le^ in the inanur.ntnre and .-^ale of millstones,
j under the firm-name of Weidman & Wissler. lie
i led a quiet and industrious life, and was held in gen-
I eral respect for his integrity and uprightness, lie
gave liberally of his means to the support of all
worthy enterprises, whether of a material or spiritual
character, and strove by every means in bis power to
I perforin the full duty of a good citizen. Cut down in
I the prime of his life and in the midst of his useful-
ness, his early demise was attended with universal
I regret. He married, on Nov. 10, 1858, Mary A.,
, daughter of J^cob and Magdalena Landis, of Ephrata
L. Weidman, teller in the Ephrata National Bank.
a'^/y^a^y
tJJ^
M Ccc^i'^v^^^^-'tJiy^
.^ '
ii
EAST COCALICO TOWNSHIP.
709
GEORGB W. STEINMETZ.
The original ancestor of the Steiiiinetz family i
this country was Cliarles Steinmetz, who einigratt
from a [lortion of Germany lying along the rivi
Rhine, during tlie latter half of the eighteenth eui
tury.antl lainU'd at Philailelphia, He was then lIl'I
F.,rJ. where he .narrie.l .M
traveling still farther we,tw
now Ephrata townsliip, Lane^
U|) one hundred and twenty
neighborhofpd of the present i
Bowman. Here he engaged i
until his death, at the advan
years. His children were eight iu nuinl
Catharine, who married John Goover,
township; Charles; J(din ; Samuel; Sar;
ried Andrew Bushong, .Taeob, Isaac, and
this large family only three i
writing (18S3), viz.: Samuel,
Richland, Lebanon Co. ; Saral
i>s l'„ggy
ister Co., w
acres of
3sidence i
1 agricult
:ed age o
eorge L.
,f Ephral
David. (
at the iMTsei
ed resident .
esides with hi
daughter, the wife of'Hon. Anthony E. Roberts, of
Lancaster; and Isaac, residing at Ephrata, Pa.
Jacob Steinmetz, father of our subject, was born in
171)8, upon the tract originally settled by his father in
Ephrata township, but removed to West Earl town-
ship in 1833, wdiere he engaged in farming at the
place now owned by Solomon Grove. In 1845 he re-
moved to Annville, Lebanon Co., wiiere he also pur-
sued the vocation of a farmer until his demise, in
18-51. His wife was Catharine Gross (born 180(3), a
native of Ephrata township, daughter of John Gross,
who was for many years a liotel-keeper and merchant
at Ephrata, and a large land owner. She is still living
at Annville. Pa. The children were ten in number,
namely : C. P., residing at Annville ; George W. ; Reu-
ben (deceased) ; Mary A., wife of Rev. Joseph Painter,
of Myerstown, Lebanon Co. ; Charles H., a mercliant
at Newmanstown, in the same county; Selinda, wife
of Dr. J. G. Fritz, of Annville ; Uriah G., doing busi-
ness in Philadelphia; Rebecca; Martin N. B., also in
business in Philadelphia ; and Jacob L., a practicing
lawyer at Lancaster, Pa., and a former member of the
Slate Legislature.
George W. Steinmetz was born at the old family
seat in Ephrata townsliip o[i .\ug. 11, 18li7. When
five years of age he removed wilh hi- father to West
E;irl township, where the earlier yars of his life
were passed upon the paternal farm, and in .-Utend-
ance upon the common .schools of his locality. He
subsenuenlly enjoyed a higher course of instruction
at the Ephrata Academy. Upon the death of his
old family seat of the Erb family, at Clay, and suc-
ceeded John Erb in the business of hotel-keeping,
and in farming a portion of the old homestead, coui-
Iii Is.Oo, upon the enactment of local prohibitory
hntcl-keepiug, and in 18G2, upon the dealli (d J..liu
Eih, became r' j owner, by purchase, of both the
hotel property and farm. Having pursued farming
O|perations at (i'hiy lur a period of ibnrteen years, Mr.
Steiniiiet/. ill lsi;7, l)uilt his present residence and
store property at that jioint, and the year following
I embarked in the mercantile business, in wduch he
; has since continued. He has also engaged e.N.ten-
sively in the purchase and sale of tobacco, besides
I cultivating large quantities himself. He has con-
fined himself closely to his business pursuits, and has
neither sought nor been willing to accept public
liositioii. He was an earnest supporter of the late
war, and as a war I>enH)crat was active in raising
I the several quotas of soldiers required of his township
I for service in the field. He is a member of the Brick-
I erville Evangelical Lutheran Church, and has beeu
officially connected with that body since 18G5, having
served as deacon, and being a member of the board
of trustees at the present writing. To all worthy
enterprises he has ever lent a cheerful and liberal
support, and he ranks among the public-spirited and
progressive citizens of his township. His only son,
Hiram Erb Steinmetz, was born Oct. 20, 1854. He
I entered the preparatory department of the Lebanon
j Valley College at Annville, Pa., in 18G7, and was
graduated from that institution with the degree ol
Bachelor of Arts in 1874. He received the Master';
degree in 1877. He has been postmaster at Clay
since 1876, and devotes much attention to literarj
work, acting, among other things, as the local corre-
spondent of several leading newspapers in the county
Mrs. George W. Steinmetz died on June 5, 1870.
CHAPTER XLII.
KAST OOCAI.rCi) TDWX.^IIII'.i
Geography and Topography.— This is one of th
northeastein lowiiships of Lancaster County, and i
bounded on llic imrtheast by Berks County, on th
southeast by the township of Brecknock, southwest b
Ephrata, and northwest by West Cocalico townshi|
father, in ISol.hecame into posse
ision of the home
farm at Annville, comprising one 1
undred at twenty-
i'wc acres, which he still owjis, an(
for several years
engaged in farming at thnt place.
In 1852 he married
Priscilla Ceeiliii, daughter of .John
and r,aih;na Erh,
of Clay townshij., and two years hi
er removed to the
It hi
■ng[
in- average width of three and one-third miles. Th
surface is hilly, and within the limits of the townshi
ire four considerable elevations, called Ephrata Rid.
i in the southwestern part, Bucher's Mountain in tl
Bji
710
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUiNTY.
northwest, Lied's Ridge in tlie southwest, and Adams-
town Ridge in the northeastern part.
The soil of the townsliip, exceiit on tlie most ele-
vated portions, is very fertile, producing the ordinary
cereals of this region in great abundance, and lierc as
elsewhere in the county tobacco is successfully culti-
vated. The townsUi]) is drained towards the south-
west, and the largest stream is the Cocalico Creek,
which traverses the entire length of tlie township near
its southwestern boundary, and with its ailiuents, the
largest of which is Stony Run, drains a large porticm
of the area. What is known as Muddy Run, or
Jluddy Creek, is on the boundary between this town-
ship and Brecknock, and receives branches from the
southeastern declivity of the water-shed that passes
southwesterly through the township from the vicinity
of Adamstown. These streams supply water-power
for the mills that are scattered through the township.
Highways. — The principal highway is the Lancas-
ter and I^.eading road, ])assing from Adamstown bor-
ough southwesterly through the township by the
village of Reamstown. This road was laid out many
years prior to the Revolution, and before the railroad
era it was an important thoroughfare. The road was
laid out fifty-eight feet wide, but it has been made
much narrower by the encroachments of land-owners
along its borders. Another important highway is the
Schaefterstown and Churchtown road, crossiiiL' the
township nearly at right angles with the I,anca-;ter
and Reading road. Another road through the town-
ship, and of considerable importance, is the one
crossing the Lancaster and Reading road at Swartz-
ville, near Adamstown borough. Other roails traverse
the township in different directions, but those men-
tioned are the most important.
The Reading and Columbia Railroad passes through
the township near its northwestern boundary for two-
thirds the length of that line. Tiiis affords conven-
ient communication between this township and
Reading towards the northwest, and Lancaster and
Columbia towards the southwest, and indirectly with
Philadelphia, New York, and Ilarrisburg.
Old Cocalico, and Derivation of Name.— The old
township of Cocalico was divided in 1838 into East
and West Cocalico and the township of Epiirata,
since which time no change has been made in the
boundaries of East Cocalico. It is said that the
name Cocalico is a corruption Koch- Hale- Kuiuj, which
means a cave or den of serpents, and that an abund-
ance of these reptiles along the creek of that name
suggested its title.
Early Settlers.— Among the pioneers of what is
now East Cocalico townsliij), and most prominently
identified with its pioneer history, were the Reams,
ISuchers, llubers, Kidlcrs, ydnvartzwallers, Leaders,
Schneiders, Killians, Docks, Forneys, Rupps, Balmers,
Mays, Mayers, Ilahns, Resslers, Beyers, Leets.Schlotts,
Grolfs, Wolfs, Feirsteins, Weidmans, Hershbergcrs,
and others.
Among this number we find that Everhard Rea ■•
located in " Zoar," now the village of Reamstown,
1723, and pitched his tent under the spreadii
branches of a large oak-tree, then standing on tl
farm now owned and occufiied by John Lesher, ac
joining lire village of Reamstown. The old oak-tn
stood a little west of where now stands a large willo\
tree, near Mr. Lesher's house. Here, with none hi '
Indians as neighbors, Mr. Ream built his rude hu
one hundred and sixty years ago, and after clearin
a small spot of ground he procured a warrant, and i
1725 a patent was granted him for about four hui
dred acres of land, upon a portion of which the vi
lage of Reamstown was laid out. For some time th
nearest mill to Mr. Ream was on the Brandywim
and his nearest neighbors, aside from Indi.ins, wei
the settlers on Mill Creek.
The attractions produced by Mr. Ream's littl
clearing and the abundance of pure water induce
settlers to locate in his immediate vicinity, and but
few years elapsed before Mr. Ream was in the mids
of quite a settlement of Germans.
Prominent among Mr. Ream's sons was Tobi.x'
who in 1760 laid out the town of Reamstown. G
his children but little is known at present. Christian
the oldest son, grew to man's estate and went West
John died in Ohio; George ; Juliana, married Jacol
Kofroth. Three other daughters married to Michaei
Wcitzel, William Wheeler, and a Mr. Sarbold.
Jacob Hershberger received a warrant for and sub
sequently patented about six hundred acres of huK
along the Cocalico Creek, below Reamstown, upoi
which he built a saw-mill on the site now occnpiei
by Philip Staufer's mill. Mr. Hershberger had foui
I sons, Isaac, Abraham, Joseph, and John, who in
I herited his property. The old plarrtation has beei
I divided and subdivided till it is now owned b.\
I Joseph S. Withers, Curtis Withers, Christian Martin
1 Daniel Hershberger, Moses Shirk, Philip Staufer.
I Frederick Andrews, John Heiser, and Alexandei
Gerhardt. Other owners of large plantations there
were, but just who, how much land they owned, oi
where it was located we were unable to obtain anj
reliable data.
Cyrus Ream, a great-grandson of Tobias Ream
the founder of Reamstown, grandson of Henry Ream,
I and son of Curtis Ream, was born Dec. 12, 1812, in
j Reamstown, where he has since resided, and been
held in high esteem by his fellow-townsmen. He
served as a justice of the peace from 18.5G to 1881,
when he was appointed a notary public, which com-
mission he still holds.
In 18G0 he was appointed census marshal for the
townships of Brecknock and East Cocalico, also for
the borough of Adamstown, and has also been trea-s-
urer of the Reformed congregation of Reamstown
since 1869.
At the age of seventeen years he was apprenticed
I to Ellas Weilknecht to learn the blacksmith trade.
EAST COCALICO TOWNSHIP.
I
w
with whom he remained about eiglit years, when he
opened a shop and commenced business in Eeams-
town on his own account. Here he carried on the
blacksmitli business for about thirty-five years, when
he retired from active -crvicu in that line.
' embraced
Dutrich Gugly, 50
Julin Gogly, 15U h
JuhnGogb-.Jr-.l
Taxables for 1780 lor t
le territory i
in what is Eadt L
ocalicu to
vnship :
John Belicafer, 10 Mrc
s uf la.id and
one cow, int.
bj Juliij Hurti.mu
Jobn Iliicher, ICU ucres
2 horses, 3 c
^ws, £360.
Heni.v Drc-nJcl, lOKCr
s. 1 hurse, 1 c
ow, £20.
Davi.l H.Tingcr, 1 liura
e, 1 cow, buns
e and lot, £25.
Ma.illiuUl-y, 2ucrM,
2 cows, hons
and lot, £12.
Jolm li.iclier, 200 acres
3 burses, c
ows, f CC7.
Miflmel Bear, 200 acre
,1 horse, 5 c
ws, 2 mills £650
Plillil. Bra.lstoue, 150
cres, 3 horses
5 cows, £500.
John li.'cl.tol.l, ISO acr
es, 3 horses, 4
cows, £402.
Ch.i»tiKii Aii.lrewB, 16.
acres, 2 hors
3, 4 cows, £:148.
Blatlliiiis Ackenbacli.r
) acres, 2 hor
es, 4 cows, £107
Julin Achey, 40 acrw.
horse, 2 cow
, £140.
Blatllii:w Albert, 1 acre
1 cow, £0.
Ricbai.l Aaams, 8G acr
s, 2 horses, 4
cows, £220.
I*.ac A dam J, 130 acres
2 horses, 3 CO
ws, 2 mills, £420
Durst Anion, liw acres
2 horses, 2 co
«8,£200.
I'bilip Artz, 15 acres, 1
cow, £18.
Conrad B^muisseii, tax
d for money,
£40.
Stepbeu llullander,45ui;rea, 1 b.-rse
1 cow, £70.
Peter liinckly, 2:, acres
1 horse, 2 CO
ws, £50.
Adam llower, 2o0 acre
, 3 horses, 4 c
ows, £442.
Martin Bear, taxed fui
money, floo
Peter Ileinbowor, 1.10 1
cres, 2 horses
4 cows, £232.
He
ury Dear
20 acres.
2 boi
es, 3 cow
-, Imill, tlOO
He
nry Bear
executor
150
cres, £4.-
Jo
m Bear,
acres, 2
horai
«, 2 cows
£170.
Bo
ijaniin Bear, 60 act
es, 2 horses, 3 c
ows, £177.
Pe
er Bentu
150 acres
3 ho
rses, 3 CO
vs, £430.
Daniel Boll!
iger, 200
cres.
4 horses,
4 cows, £662.
Al
ram Brol
ak.-r, -MO
ac, es
2 boraes
4 cows, £032
Peter Eberly, 100 acres, £100.
Jacob liberly, 125 acres, 1 cow, £407.
Geort'o Elick, 250 acres, 4 horses, 5 cows, £800.
Jacob Eberly, wlieolwrighl, 50 acres, 2 hoises, 3 cows
Henr.v I . I. ;i : 1 .„ws, house and lot, £25.
GouiL- 1 .,1 i -, . lu.rses, 6COW3, £372.
• Goorj:
, FraMl/,, IS.J acr..s,
J homes, 4 cows, £572.
Geor«
00 acres, £300.
/ Paul Fnrmau, 100 acres, 2
horses, 3 cows, £220.
J Peter
Fee.ser, 100 acres, 3
orses, 2 cows, £236.
1 Beriui
rd Fetber, 60 acres.
hoisa, 2 cows, £176.
' Ad„n,
Fo8s,'Gaeres, Iciiw
£21.
i;::;::
Fult/., cu.sb,£20.
.oi»es, 2COW8, £326.
' AdKM,
' ,„.r,„
i^ill, 170 u.res, 3 horaes, 6 cows, £385.
diMcer, 1 horse, 1
cow, house«ud lot, £16.
llenr.
GiIk..., 1 bovbO, Ic
.w, house and lot, £20.
1 Join,
DavlJ
;.Met, 60 acres, 2 ho
ses, 3 cows, £126.
Gogly, 100 acres, 1
lorse, 2 cows, £201.
/'
Jacob Knebel, "lO lu
Christian Knisey, 1
Ahram Klein, lUO a
llitbe Kneisley, 00
blithe Kneisley, ex
Nicllol..» Le-liel. 17
Cbrlstoph
or Lul?
50:
George L.
"K, 10)
acre
Jobn I.an
is, Jr.,
50 ac
Casper Li
tz, 110
acres
John Miller, 150
cres
Ad^m 51..
•s, 4 cows
£232.
es, 2 cows, £220.
1, 2 cows,
£54.
orses, 2 c
ows, £251.
ses, 3 cow
s, £339.
horse, 2 cows, £55.
..rs..8, 5 c
ws, 1 servant, £365.
se, 1 cow,
£86.
us, 3 cow
, £229.
, 2 horses
2 cows, £446.
rses, 2 CO
•5, £326.
ow, £70.
■=es, 4 CO
vs, £-252.
,3 cows.
£219.
acres, 3
horses, C cows, £349
lorses, 4 c
ows, £402.
2 hon-es,
3 cows, £479.
s, 1 horse
£510.
es, 3 cow
, £279.
2 borsos,
2 cows. £326.
rse, 2 coi
s, £2C0.
1 cow, 1
servant, £73.
.orses, 4 c
ows, £642.
se, 2 cows
, £i;g.
horses, 4
cows, £340.
horses, G
cows, £198.
se, 2 cow
,£31G. V
.rses, 3 cc
ws, 1 mill, £279.
acres, £:
10.
lorses, 5
ows, £405.
ow, £20.
ses, 4 CO
•s, £342.
■ses, 3 CO
vs, £329.
,£63.
es, 5 cow
, £305.
horses, 2
cows, £76.
se, 2 cow
, £210.
loi^es, 1
ow, £173.
es, 4 cow
, £272.
es, 6 cow
, £348.
Conrad M.ist, 10 acre*. 1 c.w
£19.
Dewalt Mader, 60 aotcs, 1 bo
■se, 2
COWS, £76.
Lentz Meyer, 60 acres, 1 hor
e, 1 c
w, £133.
Henry Miller, 41 acres, 1 hor
se, 1 c
iw, £139.
John Miller, tanner, 50 acres
2 ho
■ses, 1 cow, £
83
Jacob Martin, 10 acres, 1 co\
,£^13
se, 1
ow, £291.
John Musleman, 32 acres, 1
orse.
1 cow, 1 mill
£
Shenck Martin, 15 acres, £42
Michael PiI2,5acres. 1 borsi
2 CO
vs, £28.
Adam lie.lm, 100 acres, 1 hoi
se. 2 c
ows, £316.
Jac.b It..lirer, 50 acres, 1 hor
se, 2 c
ows, £00.
Jacb Heam, 1 lioise, 1 cow,
E15.
Abiam lleani, Jr., 20 acres, 1
lorse
1 cow, 2 mill
,£
John Ream, 300 acres, 2 hors
s. 3 cows, £026.
Andrew Ream, 50 acres, 1 co
V, hoi
-e aii.l l..t, £100
Tohlas Ite.iui, 25 acres. 2 hoi-s
ows, £1..4.
Jobn Rnch, 136 acres, 2 hors
8.4 cc
ws. £304.
Engle Ite.ler, 1 cow, house ai
diot.
£10. u
Peter Rine, 15 acre»,l borse,
1 cow
£32.
Michael Roth, 100 acres. 2 ho
rses.
cows, £12G.
HISTOKY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
k
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
14, ISIU. j Cyrus U.-uni, April 9, 1861.
sS. Fry, ISSl.
Wi.luw Milk-r
JiiiuU W..If, 1
%Viiluw Bi'ckf
Of the foregoing list of taxalik's hut very few, if
any, of their descendants now own any part of the
real estate possessed by the owners of over a century
ago, and only a small portion of the pioneer lands
, can be traced to the present owners. However, we
can give a few of tlieni, as follows: The land owned
by
John Deltccfer ia now i,»ni-.l by .I,.l,n Ilartiimn,
Duvid lirlckcr " " 1»;l:.c K. Uli.i hulzei.
Henry llcur ■■ " Chii-li.n Ki-lliir.
' Knrluw A Co.
ttn Knupp
I Monlilion.
Muddy Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church.'—
This con^'iviiation was (irgaiii/.i-d ahoiit 17;iO, but tlio
records do not commence till 1733. The first records
of bai)tisms were by Peter MiiUer, and by Rev. John
Christian Schultze. Rev. John Casper Stoever vis-
ited the congregation here as early as 1784, but he
does not appear to have preached to this congrega-
tion till 17i(i. From the time of its organization till
1838, a jjcriod of one hundred and five years, this so-
ciety was connected with that of New HoUajid, and
to have been served by the same pastors.
Rev. Tobias Wagner succeeded Mr. Stoever in
1749, and continued till 17.r)5. A Rev. Stoever then
served the church till 1758, then Rev. John Samuel
Schwerdtfegertill 17(13.
During the pastorate of Mr. Schwerdtfeger the
congregation acijuired a deed ol their church prop-
erty, the warrant for which had been granted in
1744. It was sold by tiie proprietors to the Lutlierun
and the German Reformed congregations jointly, and
it has always remained their joint property. An
agreement was entered into by which each congrega-
tion obligated itself to follow the "Augsburg Confes-
sion" and the " Heidelberg Catechism," respectively.
The joint occupation and use of the property was also
agreed on. The elders of the Lutheran congregation
who entered into this agreement were Valentine
Schneider, Jacob Fry, Casper Lutz, and Philip
Stober. On the part of the Reformed congrega-
tion, Henry HaHer, Christoi)her Shoup, Georj^e
Helft, and Maneus Egly were the elders and sign-
ers of the agreement. The instrument was executed
May 30, 1701. The deed was acquired March 25,
17G2, and conveyed nine acres and si.\ty perches,
consideration one [lound eight shillings and eleven
pence.
In 1763, Rev. William Kurtz became pastor, and
continued till 1781, succeeded by Rev. Daniel Schroe-
der, who remained till 1784; then came Rev. Val-
entine Frederick Melsheimer, who remained till
1790, succeeded by Rev. Ileinrich Moeller, who was
pastor till 17',tl); then Rev. Peter Beng, till 18(il;
Rev. John Plitt, till 1812; Rev. Peter Filbert, till
1823; Rev. John Frederick Engle, who died the
same year (1823); Rev. Charles Kutze, who died in
182r>; Rev. John W. Reichard, a grandson of the
patriarch Muhlenberg, till 1834; Rev. C. F. Welden.
till 1838; Rev. C. P. Miller, till 1841; Rev. Mr.
I ukotcli by Rev
Henry.
EAST COCALICO TOWNSHIP.
713
Frederick, till 1849; Rev. Thomas Yeager, till 1852;
Rev. Cliarles Reese, till 1857; Rev. R. S. Wagner,
till 18(10 ; Rev. S. R. Roycr, till 18(18 ; Rev. R. S. Wag-
ner, again, till 1873; Rev. S. S. Henry, till 1883, snc-
ceeded by llio present pastor. Rev. John H. Unlienhen.
The consistory of the Muchly t'reek Relbrnieil
Church consists of Rev. S. .-i.'lnveitzor, pastor;
George Echternach and Amhrw Kiiuiut, ekiers;
Peter Marso, Daniel Binkley, and Martin Althouse,
deacons; Martin Althouse, treasurer ; Cyrus Sower,
trustee. Rev. Daniel llerz commenced preaching at
Muddy Creek Church in 1822, and continued until
his death in ISGil. Rev. S. Schwcit/.er, the present
pastor, was installed in 187(!), and has at jire-^ent
under his instruction eighty-live catechuinens, a
much larger number tliaii under any uiher pastor
during the history of the churLli. The lluidelberg
Catechism is faithl'ully used in tlie classes. Present
membership of church, three liundred and fifty.
The first church building was a log house, but no
record states when it was built. It was probably
erected as early as 1730 or 1733.
The second church was a stone building, and tra-
dition says it stood about one hundred years. The
floor was laid or i)aved with bricks or flat stones. It
stood partly on the ground on which the present
church building stands.
The present, which is the third church edifice, was
built in 1847, and is also a stone structure rough-cast.
The sacramental cup and ]jhite were presented by
Michael Kegerisc, mid bear the date of 17(12. The
bell lor this church was procured in 1850. The in-
scription on it is, "Cast by T. I. Dyre, Jr., Philadel-
phia, 1850. Muddy Creek Church, Lancaster County,
Pa." The first organ in this church was purchased
and set up in 1871. Its cost was seven hundred and
seventy-five dollars. Early in the liistury of this
congregation a school-house was erected on the church
pro])erty.
As nearly as can be ascertained the followdng teach-
ers have taught the parochial school and led the sing-
ing in the church: Henry Krick (or Grick), 1800-10;
Andrew Fleisher, 1810-34; Jacob Baker, 1834-00;
AVilliam Baker, 18GG-71 ; Isaac S. Becker, organist,
and leader in singing, 1871-81 ; William Baker, 1881
to the present time. Andrew Fleisher served twenty-
four years, and died in 1842, aged seventy-two years.
Jacob Bakerserved thirty-two years, and died in 18(J9,
aged seventy-five years.
The church council consists of the pastor and Henry
Echternacht, trustees; Stephen Hayman, Benjamin
Lausch, elders; Franklin Khoads, Henry Siegfried,
Epiiraim Brossman, deacons.
The present membership is two hundred and sev-
enty-live.
Both the German and English languages are used
exclusively.
^— Evangelical Church of Reamstown. — This so-
ciety was organized in 1850, and during the first five
years of its existence it worshiped in private houses
of members. In 1855 the present church edifice was
er^'ted. It is a stone structure, twenty-eight by
thirty-two feet in size, and its co-t was one thousand
dollars? The society has been uniformly prosperous,
and its present membership is sixty.
The f.dlowing have been paslu'rs of this chure^i :
Revs. Humel, Laiher, Adams, Jupe, Kingericht,
Sayler, Krieger, Ilarber, Aile, Frechrist, Faihr,
Martz, Schentler, Dentlinger, /am, Heitzler, Wan-
ner, and Singinfues and Sayler, the present p.islors.
The class-leaders have been J. M. Salada, Henry
Schlott, John Rae/.cr, and Jesse Frankhausen, the
present leader.
Cemeteries. — In the township of East Cocalico are
a large number of burial-places, mostly of a private
character, located on nearly as many farms as there
are burying-grounds.
Slany of the tombstones, more especially those of
an earlier date, are of sandstone, of wdiich this town-
ship furnishes an abundant supply, the inscriptions
upon which are so obliterated by the elements that
it is impossible to read the names of persons or date
of death.
In the Reamstown Cemetery may be found the fol-
lowing among the better preserved of the older stones:
FredeHck Ream, born Oct. 11, 1771, died Jan. 21, 1858,
aged 8(3 years, 4 months, and 11 days; Henry Ream,
born Feb. 7, 17.MI, died Oct. 5, 1840, aged 81 years, 8
months, and 2 days; Samuel Ream, born June 4,
1772, died March 22, 1839, aged GO years, 9 months,
and 18 days; Matthias Ream, born June 25, 1726,
died Jan. 15, 1789, aged 62 years, 6 months, and 2
d:iys, and left nine children; Juliana Ream, widow
of' Tobias lieam, born 1738, died 1824, aged 86
years.
In the Muddy Creek Cemetery are many interments.
However, we give but a very few of the inscriptions
on older stones, for reasons above stated. John Nich-
olas Haller,born 1735, died 1813; Michael Weinholt,
born 1754, died 1827; Philip Weinholt, born 1705,
died 1823; his wife, Catharine, was born in 1775,
and died in 1849; Adam Iloh, born in 1763, and
died in 1838; his wife, Catharine, lies by his side,
she was born in 1766 and died in 1848; Rudolph
naberlig,born 1728, died 1812; Elizabeth Schlebach,
born in 1725, died in 1823, aged 99 years, less 8 days;
Jacob Kuger, born 1750, died 1825; Rosina Puhl,
born 175-1, died 1828; Rudolph Miller, born 1743,
died 1824; Catharine, wife of Jacob Schmidt, born
1750, died in 1818; Johann Peter Weisz, born 1753,
died 1821 ; Martin Frcy, born in 1722, died in 1806.
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church at Zoar,
now Reamstown. As early as June 28, 1773, a deed
for Lot No. 51 in Zoar was ^iven by Tobias Ream and
Juliana, his wife, to Andrew Ream and Jacob Rupp,
for buildimr a Preslivterian and Lutheran Church,
71
HISTORY OP LANCASTER COUNTY.
andburying-ground to be used by said congregation."
The consideration was two shillings, and the land was
subject to an annual ground-rent of four pence.
On the 7tli of November, 1798, a receipt was given
by Tobias Ream for eight shillings and four pence,
tlie amount of arrears for ground-rent to tliat time,
twenty-live years.
No church was erected here nor was any society
formed till 1817, when the present house was erected.
The Lutherans in lleamstown had worshiped at
Muddy Creek prior to that time.
On the 4th of June, 1815, the corner-stone of this
church, called the " Cocalico Salem Church, for the
use of the Lutheran and German Reformed congre-
gations," was laid. The building committee on the
part of the Lutheran Church consisted of Adam
Leitz and George Musser. The first elders elected
were Adam Musser and George Withers, and the first
deacons were George Long and Heinrich Schneider.
The building was completed and dedicated on the
8th and 9th days of June, 1S17. The same building
is still in use.
The first pastor was Rev. Peter Filbert, whose pas-
torate was from 1817 to 1823. He was followed in
succession by Revs. John Frederick Engle and Charles
F. Rutze, 1823-24; Samuel Trumbauer, 1824-56; A.
D. Rosenmiller, 1856-58 ; R. S. Wagner, 1858-59; S.
R. Boyer, 1859-68; R. S. Wagner, 1869-73; S. S.
Henry, 1873-83; and the present paster, John H.
Unbehnen, 1883.
The church council consists of the pastor and j
Samuel Sleabach, trustee ; Martin Jacobs and Samuel
Fry, elders ; Michael Grimes and Reuben Fry, dea- l
cons; and J. R. Reddig, treasurer.
Some years after the church was built a bell of one '
hundred pounds' weight was procured. This was used
till 1848, more than a century, when a new one was
purchased by the two congregations. Its weight was i
three hundred and four pounds, and its cost, with the
necessary fixtures and hangings, was one hundred and
fourteen dollars and forty cents. In 1859 the two
congregations, Evangelical Lutheran and German i
Reformed, purchased an organ at a cost of five hun-
dred dollars. It was dedicated October 22d and 23d
of that year.
A Union Sunday-school of the two congregations !
was organized between 1834 and 1835, and was for a i
number of years held in the old school-house in the
rear of the church. The first superintendents were Dr.
Frederick Ziegler and John Wilson, Esq. The present
superintendents are Henry Grimes and Monroe Kil-
lian. The first leader of the choir was Jacob Fasnacht,
who oflficiated till 1826. Peter Lied was then precentor
till the purchase of an organ in 1859, a period of
thirty-three years. Since that time the organist has
been the leader of the singing. The first organists
were Samuel H. Oring, and Emanuel J. Killiaii, John
Gring, and Isaac S. Becker, Muddy Creek Church.
I The present organist is Miss Emilia Lesher.
A school-house was erected on the church property
at an early period in the history of the congregation,
and in this house the children of the church have
been taught for many years. Formerly services were
conducted wjiolly in the German language in fhis
church, but latterly both German and English are
used. The German Reformed pastors ofticiating in this
church have been Faber, Frederick Harmer, Thomas
Leimbach, 1824 ; William T. Gerhardtand A. Helfen-
stein, 1852; Samuel Seibert, 1853; William A. Good,
1856; Thomas C. Leimbach, 1860; Samuel A. Lein-
bach,1867; Stephen Schweitzer, from 1S69 to present
time.
Public Schools. — From the time of its organiza-
tion the people of East Cocalico voted at each town-
ship election on the question of accepting or not ai -
cepting the school system. So averse were the peo]jle
to imposing on themselves additional burdens of tax-
ation, and so strong was the prejudice against the
system, that it was rejected by varying majorities till
1849, when it was accepted by a small majority. The
feeling of antagonism to the system has gradually
worn away since that time, and now but few are left
who look with disfavor on it.
At the time of the acceptance of the system there
were in the township nine schools, and to these an-
other has since been added, so that the number is now
ten, as follows: Reamstown, which has two schools in
one building, constituting a graded school; Denver,
also two schools, or a graded school ; Wabash, Na-
pierville. Slump's, Muddy Creek, Vera Cruz, and
Weinhold's. Tlie houses at Reamstown and Denver
are of stone, and have two rooms each for a primary
and secondary school. Of the other sub-districts four
have stone houses, and in two they are built of brick.
The schools are kept during six months in each
year, and the teachers' wages are from thirty-two to
thirty-eight dollars per month.
The number of children of school age in the town-
ship is fonr hundred and sixty-nine, and the ta.K levied
in 1883 was $2629.33.
The present school directors are I. K. Oberholser,
president; John ('. Ueddig, treasurer; M. L. Gocklev,
secretarv; William Coldren, John Waller, and C. R.
Johns. '
Poptllation. — The population of East Cocalico
township in 1880 was 2226; Reamstown, 336; Union,
now Denver, '220; Stevens, 63; voters, 575 on the
register's list for 1883,
Reamstown. — This village, first called Zoar, was
laid out by Tobias Ream, the son of Everhard Ream,
in 1760. Fifty-four acres were conveyed by Ever-
hard to Tobias for this purpose. A portion of this
land was divided into ninety-five lots of seventy-twcj
perches each, or four jjerches front and eighteen
perches deep, fronting on the old Lancaster and
Reading road. Of these only sixty-five were sold
as lots, and the balance were sold in one tract to
Michael Kumler. The lots were sold, or rather
EAST COCALTCO TOWNSHIP.
715
leased, for ten shillings each (Pennsylvania cur-
rency), and were subject to annual ground-rent of
tl.33 each, which is still collected, except in the case
of one lot, on which for a cnnsidenition it has been
relinijnished.
Prior to the laying out of the town Tobias Ream
had erected a house of sandstone, one story in height.
It was on the tract that was sold to Kuniler, and it
still stands, having the same external appearance
as at first. It was sold by Jlr. Kuinler to Jacob
Sliowalter, and by him to Henry Lesher, the present
owner. The first house erected on one of the lots
was the one in which Frederick Ream resided during
his entire life. It was taken down about five years
since and another erected on its site. It was a log
house, and tradition says that an inn was kept there
in very early times.
It is remembered that a tavern was kept in the
present hotel of Christian Messner, known as the
Eagle Hotel, by a Mr. Keller. Jacob Stahley after-
ward kept in this building a tavern and a store. It
has always been kept as a hotel, and has had many
landlords. Another hotel was kept at a very early
time by Adam Musser, in the stone building now
known as the Cross Keys Hotel, and owned by Henry
R. Rhoads. This was a tavern prior to the Revolu-
tion, as were all the others. It has since been kept
by many different parties. The present Reamstown
Hotel was first kept by Charles Jlontelius, and it had
on its sign -board the figure of a buck, hence it was
known as the Buck Hotel. It is now owned and kept
by Levi Koch. Tiie house now owned and occupied
by A. D. Carpenter was formerly kept as a hotel by
John Ream. Another hotel was very early kept
under the name of the Continental House. The
names of the early keepers of this house are lost. Of
later landlords the names are remembered of Peter
Stipe, Peter Ruth, and • Bauman. the last wdio
entertained travelers here. The building stood on
the site now occupied by Odd-Fellows' Hall. It was
torn down about thirty years since, but traces of its
foundation walls may still be found. It was used as
a hospital after the battle of Brandywine, and the
names of some of the patriots who died here are still
traceable in the Lutheran and Reformed Church
Cemetery.
Of the pioneer tradesmen and mechanics it is not
possible now to recall the names. The earliest mer-
chant that is remembered was Jacob Stahley, wlio
kept a store here nearly seventy years since. John
Lutz was a blacksmith here at a still earlier date.
Adam Musser was a saddler, and had a shop in his
hotel. John Graft was a shoemaker in the beginning
of the present century, and Michael Raezer was the
village tailor at the same time. Andrew Ream was
a tinsmith and manufacturer of hatchets in the latter
part of the last century. Elias'Weitzel was a maker
of spinning-wheels an'd reels that were then articles
of furniture in every house. Cieorge Ream was a
wagon-maker, and his original shop is still standing.
John Tamaney was a cabinet-maker, and John Gun-
der was a chair-maker. A tannery was erected here
some tihie in the last century. It was rebuilt about
fifty years since by William Musser, and was torn
down some seven years since.
The name of the town waslong since changed from
Zoar to Reamstown, in honor of its founder and his
descendants. It has never been the seat of any im-
portant manufactory or other industry, and its growth
has been gradual. There are in it many very old
houses, and its general ajipearance is that of an anti-
quated town.
The population of the village of Reamstown (late
Zoar) is 35U. There are seventy-one dwelling-houses,
one Lutheran and Reformed Church, one Evangelical
Church, one post-office (J. R. Reddig, postmaster),
three daily mails, two carriage-maker shops, one
tinsmith-shop, one blacksmith-shop, seven shops
manufacturing cigars, three shops manufacturing
cigar-boxes, one saddler-shop, three shoemaker-shops,
two stone-cutters' shops, one tailor-shop, two stores
(kept by J. R. Reddig and Martin L. Gockley), three
taverns (kept by Levi Koch, Edwin B. Shavers, and
Christian S. Messner), two doctors (U. B. Kline and
William Trexler).
Denver is a new and enterprising little town situ-
ated on the line of the Reading and Columbia Railroad,
fifteen and one-quarter miles from Reading, twenty-
six and three-quarters from Lancaster, and thirty and
one-half miles from Columbia. Situated also on the
left bank of Cocalico Creek, at the mouth of Swamp
Run, and surrounded by a rich agricultural district,
it is destined to become, at no distant day, one of the
principal villages of Lancaster County. The beauty
and grandeur of the not far-distant' hills, from the
summits of which grand and enchanting landscape
scenes are presented to the gaze of the beholder.
These, with other nalural attractions, point to Denver
as one of the pleasant summer resorts of the near
future.
That portion of the land upon the west side of the
railroad, on which the town is built, was formerly
owned by Jacob Brubaker (deceased), and the land
n]jon the east side by Widow Keller and Christian
Keller.
The building of the railroad to this place in 1863,
and the location of the station, led to the laying out
of town-lots by Messrs. J. Brubaker and A. R. Royer.
The first building erected, aside from the then small
station, was that known as the " Miller House," built
in 1869, and named " Union Hotel," and subsequently
changed to Miller House, having been built by S. H.
Miller. The name of the town was changed from
Union to Denver.
The next hotel opened in this town was in 1877 by
S. M. Brubaker, and nanie.l .Merchant's H.uise. The
liroperly was sulHe,|Ucntly s.dd to K, S. Fasnacht,
who, in 1882, built the present Merchant's Himr^e on
71f
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
the opposite side of the street, to which he transferred 1
his liotel business the same year. !
The pioneer store of what is now Denver was
opened for business iu 1869, in the Miller House
block, by S. H. Miller, who owns both hotel and
store. In 1872, S. M. Brnbaker built the brick store-
house opposite the Merchant's House, where he en-
gaged in the mercantile business, and in 1877 con-
verted the store into a hotel, and kept as sucli until
1882, when it was again converted into a store, and
still occupied as such, by W. M. JIarburger, who
purchased the building in 1882.
The next trading point established in Denver was
the drug- and hardware-store of Isaac H. Jliller, also
on Main Street, who located here in 18G9 or 1870, and
is still engaged in business.
The fourth and last mercantile house established at
this place was that of Hacker & Shirk in 1883, in a
frame building on Main Street, east of the railroad.
Manufactures and Trades.— The old grist-mill
at this place was built many years ago, and is now
owned by Christian Keller.
The Denver tannery was built in 1860 by S. H.
Gring, and subsequently purciiased by Christian
Keller, its present owner. It is now operated by
George Gensemer, who gives steady employment to
four men.
The steam sash-, door-, blind-, and furniture-fac-
tory of E. B. Wolfe was built by him in 1882, and is
located on Front Street.
The pioneer blacksmith of this town was John
Walter, who located here in 1872, and is at present
the only blacksmith in the village.
The pioneer shoemaker of Denver was J. D. Rider,
who came here in 187.'{, and still continues to tap the
soles of men.
Christian Keller's brick-yard was established by
him in 1875, and is now operated by Giger.
In 1880, John B. Ranck commenced the manufac-
ture of cigar-boxes in Denver, and in 1882 sold his
factory to J. B. Hacker, the present manufacturer,
who employs eight men in the business.
The pioneer cigar manufactory of this town was
established in 1876 by J. M. Brubaker, who in 1883
gave steady employment to thirty persons.
Another cigar-factory was established in 187'J by
Jolm S. Nolde, who at present employs fifteen hands.
In 1881, A. H. Hornberger commenced the manu-
facture of cigars at this jilace, and now employs six
persons in the business.
The "Denver Job Printing-Office" was established
here in 1878, by J. G. Garman, the present proprietor.
There are two quite extensive limestone quarries
at Denver, one owned and worked by the Reading
Iron Company, and the other owned by Reading
parlies, but not worked at present. Large quantities
of limestone are shipped from lliis place and used in
the manufacture of iron at different points.
The coal and lumber business was established at
this place in 1864 by A. R. Royer, who was succeeded
by Adam J. Ream Jan. 1, 1870. Ream was suc-
ceeded Jan. 1, 1877, by J. B. Brubaker, the present
dealet.
The rai^lroad station at this jjlace was opened for
the transaction of business Dec. 26, 1863, when the
first passenger train jjassed over the road from Co-
lumbia to Sinking Spring. The first station-agent
was A. R. Royer, who was succeeded Jan. 1, 1870, by
A. J. Ream, and he in turn by J. B. Brubaker, Jan.
1, 1877, the present agent.
The pioneer postmaster here was A. R. Royer, who
was commissioned Aug. 7, 1808, and succeeded by A.
J. Ream, Jan. 1, 1870, who was 'succeeded, Jan. 1,
1877, by J. B. Brubaker, the present postmaster.
Physicians. — The doctors at Denver have been
quite numerous. The first to locate was Dr. Sines-
mach, iu 1870, who remained about one year, when
he removed, and was succeeded by itinerants, who
remained but a short time each. The present phys-
icians are Dr. P. O. Bleiler, who located here in 1875,
and Dr. J. B. Hacker in 1880.
Religfious. — The spiritual necessities of the citi-
zens of Denver are cared for by several Christian
denominations, worshiping here in two churches, the
" Union," a free-for-all house of worship, and the
Dunkards, Old Mennonites, and Lutheran and Re-
formed in a church building of their own. Neither
have a regular church organization at this place,
1 but are attached to and supplied with preaching by
established church organizations from other places.
Stevens. — A small hamlet and railroad-station, so
named in honor of the late Thaddeus Stevens, is lo-
cated on the line of the Reading and Columbia Rail-
road, on the west border of the township, sixteen and
three-quarter miles from Reading' and twenty-five
miles from Lancaster. The railroad was completed
past this place in the fall of 1863, and station and
freight-house combined was built in the fall of 1863
and spring of 1864, and I. W. Mentzer was appointed
station-agent. lie died in the spring of 1883, when
his son, Henry K. Meiit/.er, was ai)puinted to fill the
vacancy.
The pioneer house at this place was the frame resi-
dence of Samuel Burkholder, built in 1827, on its
present site, a short distance east of Eberly's hotel.
The laud upon which the town is laid out was
owned, previous to the advent of the railroad, by
Jacob Reddig, who, in 1864, sold five acres to the
railroad company, containing the land between the
east side of the station building, and the wagon-road
forming the western boundary-line of the township.
The railroad company subsequently sold the same to
I. W. Mentzer, JI. H. Shirk, and Abraham Base.
Shirk and Base soon after sold their interest in the
town lots to Mr. Mentzer, who became the sole owner.
The second house built at this place, east of the
township-line, was the brick residence of the late
I. W. Mentzer, just we-t of the railroad, built in 1864,
EAST COCALICO TOWNSHIP.
717
nnd still occupied by Mrs. Mentzer and family. The
Eberly House, a three-story frame building, adjoin-
ing tlie depot property, was built in 1882, by H. R.
Eberly, the present proprietor of this hotel. There
was, in 1883, about tliirty dwellings at Strom's Sta-
tion, and a population of about one hundred. The
post-ofiice at tliis place is in West Cocalico, and is
mentioned in the history of that township.
There is no manufacturing at this place, other than
that of cigars by H. R. Eberly, who employs from
six to ten hands in the business.
The coal and lumber business is carried on at this
pliice by Henry K. Mentzer.
Cocalico Lodge, No. 408, I. 0. 0. F.— This lodge
was chartered July 18, 1850, witii the following char-
ter members: William Tobias, Stephen Siegfried,
John Bard, Henry Stauffer, Chas. H. Rhoads, Gideon
Kinzey, Jeremiah M. Sallada, Esaias Billingfelt, Isaac
Mishler, Abraham Kegerice, Isaac Bucher, Abraham
Lavan, Samuel Lutz, John Raezer, Samuel Shower.
It had a prosperous existence till 1801-02, when
many of its members became soldiers, and its meet-
ings ceased. It was revived after the clo.se of the war,
and it has been uninterrupted since. In 1878 its
lodge-room and many of its records were destroyed
by fire. The list of Past Grands is as follows: S.
Seigfried, C. S. Kinzey, E. H. Rhoads, J. Raezer, A.
E. Kline, J. Bard, J. S. Royer, E. Billingfelt, J. M.
Kline, D. Sarah, A. J. Ream, J. Irvin, J. R. Mishler,
A. J. Stober, J. D. IMentzer, A. Godschalk, J. S.
Nolde, J. Getz, J. G. Garman, W. Renogig, J. Hairn,
E. S. Royer, D. L. Grant, L. Lesher, W. H. Walter,
J. G. Root, E. M. S. Ranck, S. Enies, J. L. Elser, J.
D, Trego, E. R. Stark, R. B. Schlott, Jacob Davidson.
The present officers are: Thomas J. Eberly, N. G. ;
Peter F. Eberly, V. G. ; \V. H. Walter, Sec; and
John S. Royer, Treas. The present membership is
fifty-four. There is in its treasury a surplus of two
thousand dollars.
Mills. — Gerhart's mill, on Swamp Creek, one mile
from Denver, was built by Henry Mishler early in
the present century. It was .sold by him to Samuel
Buttenmoyer, and by him to Samuel Bucher. Henry
Keller purchased it from Bucher and s(d(l it to Peter
Gerhart, the present owner. Both Ibuir and feed are
ground here.
Binkley's mill stands on Stony Run, four miles
from Denver. It was built by William Binkley, the
present owner. It has a run of burrs and a run of
chopping-stones.
Comnjercial Mill is on Cocalico Creek, halt a mile
from Reanistown. It is a four-story mill, tlie llr.-.t
two stories of stone and the second and third of wood.
It lias four run of stones, two of which are burrs and
two chopping-stones, only one of the latter now in
use. A saw-mill is attached to this, and is driven l.y
water from the same pond. A-macliine also adjoins
the n
powe
uid the maoh
cry
.■n by
The mill was built by Daniel S. Kinsey early in
the present century. He sold it in 1851 to Henry
Shirk, and in 1807 it was purchased by his brother,
Michael Shirk. In 1881 it was purcliased by the
present owner, R. A. Leinbach. An engine of six-
teen horse-power was added in 1881 by ]\Ir. Leinbach
to avoid tlie embarrassments caused by drougths. It
is both a merchant- and a custom-mill.
The machine-shop attached to the mill was formerly
used by Henry Shirk as a manufactory of threshing-
machines. It has been idle during the last five years.
Two mills have preceded this here. The first, which
stood farther down the stream, was built very early.
The second stood very near to the present one, and
occupied a portion of what is now the street that goes
by it.
Bucher's mill is on Cocalico Creek a mile below
Leiubach's mill, and three-fourths of a mile fmm
Reainstown. It is a stone mill, two stories in height,
and it has two runs of burrs and a run of chopping-
stones. It was built, in 1817, by Christian and Cathe-
rine Knop. It was purchased by Sebastian Gochley
in 1821, and by his executors was sold to Benedict
Bucher in 1853, and in 1804 his son, Monroe Bucher,
the ]iresent owner, purchased it from the executors of
his father's estate. An oil-mill preceded this on the
same site, but the time of its erection cannot be
learned.
A fulling-mill stands on Cocalico Creek, three-
fourths of a mile below Stauffer's mill. It is believed
that this was Imilt by Honas Moore in the latter part
of the last century. Dec. 28, 1814, it was sold by
Honas Moore and Catherine, his wife, to John Moore,
Jr. It afterward passed through many hands ; and
while the domestic manufacture of cloth was prac-
ticed by the people of this country^it was a paying
investment. With the decline of this domestic in-
dustry, of course, the business of this as well as other
fulling-mills ceased. It has long been idle, although
it still stands there, with its dam in a tolerably good
condition. Its present owner is John Dougherty.
Distilleries. — There have been five distilleries in
this township. These were erected by Andrew Bu-
shong, three miles southeast from Reamstown ; Jlar-
tin H. Fry, about a mile from Bushong's ; John Jlish-
ler, half a mile northwest from Reamstown; and
Jacob Mishhr, three miles northwest from Reams-
town. Tliey were operated during many years by
the per.-ons who est;ililished them, but all have
ceased ; some have been converted into dwellings,
and some liave gone to decay. One was erected at
Reamstown by Philip Bushong in 1835, and a steam-
mill was added to it in 1838. A large business was
carried on for a time, but about 1850 it was aban-
doned and the fixtures were removeil to Reading. A
large (piantitv of spirits u ere Icit stored there, and the
increase in its value, which was caused by the civil
war, made the ..wiier vny wealthy.
Keller's Grist- and Flouring-Mill, located near
718
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
the village of what is now Denver, and on the line of
the Reading and Oolunibia Railroad, was built prior I
to the present centnry by a man named Hare, or Baer, j
and subsequently sold to James Carlin, or Carding,
and by him sold to James Keller, father of Christian I
Keller, the present owner. It is a stone building, and
contains lour run of st<,ne, u^ed for lu-tom, ch(,p,
and ilouring.
Wabash Flouring; and Custom Mill is l(jeated lui
the Coealieo Creek, three-ciuarters of a mile buhiw
ISueher's mill, one and a half miles below Reams-
town, and one mile from Steveiis' Station. This ujill
is on a plantation of six hundred acres, warranted to |
Jacob llershberger, who, in 17C1, deeded to his son, |
John Hershberger, (he property on which the mill '
now stands, containing one iinndred and fifty-four
acres, with the [jrivilege of overtlowing one hundred j
and fifty acres additional, or so much as would be '
necessary for mill puri>oses, forever hereafter. Upon
the tract was a saw-mill, standing on the site of the
jiresent saw-mill, adjoiniiig the grist-mill snbse- !
ijuently luiilt, the saw-niill having been built by
deedi
prop
Jacob Hershberger previot
erty to his son.
In 17G2, Jacob Hershberger, Sr., made a will, and
willed to his three sons — Joseph, Abraham, and Isaac
—the saw-mill. Whether J(,hn's right by deed to the
mill u as in iVe simple or otherwise is not known, or
whether it was the same mill mentioned in the will
is not definitely stated.
In 1794 the e.xecutors of the estate of Isaac Hersh-
berger s(dd the mill property to Zent .'t lleblK-nhci-
mer, and the twu latter suld it, in 17'."7, to IVtcr /erbe,
and in 179',) he .sold to .larob Klein. The property
then [lassed through the hands of Joseph Ciorges ajid '
George Hacker to Jacob Hower, wlio built the orig- I
inal grist-mill, upon the site of the jiresont one. It |
was then owned by Christina Long and John Long,
and sold by the sheritf, in 1845, to Jacob and Abra- i
liam Bowman, and in 184(i, Jacob Bowman became I
the owner, whose executors sold the mill property, in '
1855, to Daniel Bowman, and in 185G the projjerty
was purchased by Philip Staufer, the present owner. I
In 18G1, Mr. Staufer rebuilt the mills and miU-di
at an expense of four thousand five hundred doll
and christened the flouringmill " Wabash."
BIOGRAPHKJAL SKETCH.
the local schools to such purpose that, at tlie age of
twenty, he essayed the n'lli: of teacher. His maiden
ellbrt was made in Ephrata township, Lancaster Co.,
and eniboldened by success, he determined to push
on in the course he had chosen. The iinderta-kiiig
proved a gratifying one in every sense, and for four-
teen successive years— two in Kphrata and twelve in
K.ist Cocalico— he continued to gain an enviable
reputation as a diligeiit and skillful instructor. His
last field was Reamstown, where for some years lie
taught the grammar-scho(d. While teaching there
he was married, in 1878, to Emma, daughter of J. JI.
Sallade, of Reamstown. In 1879 he closed his ex-
perience as a teacher, and engaged at Reamstown in
the business of dealing in cigars and leaf tobacco.
In 1880 he added to his etiterprises a cigar manufac-
tory at Reamstown, and in 1881 set in motion asecond
factory, at Denver, to which point he then removed
his residence. In his two factories he employs thirty-
five hands, carries on an extensive and fionrishing in-
dustry, and ranks among the foremost as a progressive,
liberal-spirited citizen. He gives to his business in-
terests — including, besides manufacture, large dealings
in tobacco and cigars — his constant and watchful caie,
and in all his methods holds to careful deliberation,
as well as to quick comprehension and sjicedy action,
when emergencies demand such ellbrt. Although no
seekerafter oHice and no dabbler in |iolitics, he keeps
abreast of the times, and holds it his duty to follow
with earnest interest the progress of events in the
jiolitical, as well as the social, world. He was a dele-
gale to the Republican State Convention in 1881, and
discliarged his trust with much zealous ability. He
is a member of Cocalico Lodge, No. 408, I. 0. 0. F.,
has occu])ied all the otiices therein, and tor four years
was the representative from the lodge to the Grand
Lodge ; is a member of Cocalico Lodge, No. 400,
K. of P., and for three years represented that lodge
in the Grand Lotlge. Public education has ever
found in him an active and spirited advocate, and in
recognition of his valuable and extended career as a
teacher, he was called upon to serve ou the important
committee on teachers' permanent certificates for the
countv.
CHAPTER XLIII.
E.ST COCALICO TOW.N'SllIl
JOHN S. NOLDE,
jirominent manufacturer and tobacco dealer of Den-
ver, was born' in Franklin County, Pa., Oct. 23, 1844.
His father, Lawrence Nolde, emigrated from Ger-
many to America in 1840, when a young man, and
settled in Franklin County, where he married Martha
Strubc. She died in 1868. Of their three children,
all are living. John, the only son, was educated in
Geography, Topography, and Soil.— West Co-
calico occupies the most northern pijsition of the
subdivi.-ions of the county. Its greatest length from
north to south is seven miles, and its greatest width
is five miles. It has Berks and Lebanon Counties on
the north, East Cocalico on the east, Ephrata on the
1 E. Shirk.
WEST COCALICO TOWNSHIP.
south, and Clay township on the west. The soutliern
extremity, popuhirly known as Grtiben Land (on ac- '
count of its heing at first cleared from hazel-nut |
bushes witii the pick-axe), is comiiaratively level or
undulating. The soil is a mixture of red loam and
saiid, or wdiat is generally called limestone land. It I
is very fertile, and yields plentifully when under
proper cultivation. North of this section the town-
ship is traversed by the iron-stone ridge, which
crosses the State from Sinking Spring to Marietta.
North of this ridge we find gravel laud, forming the
southern base of the ridge which divides the lime-
stone region from swamp. This gravel soil is com-
paratively fertile, and yields early and abundantly,
on account of being exposed to tlie rays of the noon- |
day sun and shielded from the cold winds by the i
ridge. The dividing ridge is mostly covered with |
forest. The chestnut jiredominates, but in some
places the trees ha\e been cut away and the soil is ;
cultivated.
The swamps and creeks which form the greater jiart
of the township are north of this ridge. Two local
names are applied to this swamp, viz., Lower and
Upper Swamps. The forjner comprises the eastern
and the latter the western section. On the extreme
north we have the Cocalieo Ridge, where the land is
quite hilly and not so fertile, being frequently badly
washed by heavy rains. Upper Swamp is drained by
the Cocalieo Creek, which comes in from Lebanon
County on the northwest and flows east to John
portion of the limestone region, and enters East Co-
calico near Denver. This swamp is also drained by
numerous atiluents of the Cocalieo, of which Har-
nish's Creek is the most important. Lower Swamp
is drained by Swamp Creek and its affluents. The
limestone region is drained by Steinmetz's Bivulet,
which takes its rise north of Sclujeneck and Hows
south into Trout Creek. The western part is drained
by Indian Creek, which forms the greater part of the
western boundary line.
Railroad. — The Reading and Columbia Railroad
passes through the northeastern jiart of the townshi]),
with Reinhold's as the only station in the townshi|,.
This railroad was built in lS(i:i-G4.
Indian Occupation.— Little is known of the In-
dians who lived here many years ago. They onee had
huts along Indian Creek, which bears its present name
for that cause, but no legends are left of their doings.
Arrow-heads made of flint are occasionally found in
the fields at present. It is said that an Indian lived
in Lower Swamp who took part in the massacre of
Wyoming in 1778, but this story is not authentic.
In about 1814 some forty Indians can)e from farther
west, and passed through Reiuholdsville on their way
to Philadelidiia to draw their annual dues for their
lands. While staying here they amused the whites
by shooting sixpenves (which they seldom missed)
from sticks stuck into the grouud, and sjilit at the top
money was put up by the
ly the arrow belonged to the
to hold the coin
whites, and when
Indians.
Geuealog-y and Settlement of the Shirk Family.
— In \i:Vl, Mhieh Shirk, with six mhis and two
daughter-- came from Switzerland to find a home in
the New World. They laiuled at Philadcli.hia, and
went to the vicinity of Lancaster, where th